MIDLAND X-TALKER Two-Way Radios Owner's Manual

MIDLAND X-TALKER Two-Way Radios

MIDLAND X-TALKER Two-Way Radios

Model T60 Series

midlandusa.com

Welcome to the world of Midland electronics
Congratulations on the purchase of your high-quality MIDLAND product. Your two-way radio represents state-of-the-art high-tech engineering and is designed for FRS (Family Radio Service) operation. It is a quality piece of electronic equipment, skillfully constructed with the finest components. The circuitry is all solid-state and mounted on a rugged printed circuit board. Your two-way radio is designed for reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.

Features

– 36 FRS Channels
– 121 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS / 83 DCS)
– VOX
– 5 Selectable Call Alerts (5 additional Animal Sounds on T65)
– Vibrate Alert (T65 only)
– NOAA Weather Scan
– NOAA Weather Radio
– NOAA Weather Alert
– Scan Function
– Monitor Function
– Roger Beep Tone
– Silent Operation
– Key Pad Lock
– High / Low Power Settings
– Speaker / Microphone Jacks
– Battery Meter / Battery Low Indicator
– USB Jack Charging

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device does not cause harmful interference, and (2) this radio must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation.
To maintain compliance with FCC’s RF exposure guidelines, for body-worn operation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with Midland Radio Corp. accessories supplied or designated for this product. The use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Exposure To Radio Frequency Energy
Your Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human beings to radio frequency electromagnetic energy:-

– United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 subpart J
– American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992
– Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1999 Edition
– National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) of the United States, Report 86, 1986
– International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998
To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general population or uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more than 50% of the time. The radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting.
Body-Worn Operation
If you wear the radio on your body when transmitting always use Midlandsupplied or approved belt clip, holster, case, or body harness for this product. Use of any accessories not supplied or approved by Midland may exceed FCC/Health Canada RF exposure guidelines. If you do not use any accessories supplied or approved by Midland, ensure the radio and its antenna are at least 1 inch (2.5cm) from your body when transmitting.

LCD DISPLAY

1. NOAA WEATHER (WX) BAND ICON – Indicates when the radio is in Weather Band mode. 2. KEY LOCK ICON – Indicates KEY LOCK mode is on. 3. VOX ICON – Indicates when VOX mode is active. 4. CHANNEL NUMBER – Changes from 1~36 on FRS band (1~10 on WX band). 5. TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL ICON – Indicates TX Power setting (H/L). 6. PRIVACY CODE – Indicates Privacy Code selected by the user (oF~38/oF~83). It can only be set in Ch 1~22. 7. VIBRATE ALERT ICON – Indicates when the Vibrate-Alert feature is on (Model T65 only). 8. BATTERY METER – Indicates the battery level. 9. RECEIVE (RX) ICON – Indicates radio is receiving a transmission. 10. TRANSMIT (TX) ICON – Indicates radio is transmitting a signal. 11. PRIVACY CODE ICON – Indicates Privacy Code setting (CTCSS/DCS).

CONTROLS

12. POWER/VOLUME KNOB – Turn clockwise to turn the power on and increase the volume level. Turn counter-clockwise to decrease the volume level and turn the power off. 13. PTT Button – Press and hold to transmit voice communication. 14. CALL/LOCK Button – Press to send a CALL ALERT signal. Press and hold to turn KEY LOCK on/off. 15. MIC – Built-in microphone. 16. USB CHARGING JACK 17. ANTENNA 18. EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MIC JACK 19. MENU Button – Press momentarily to access Menu mode. 20. MONITOR/SCAN Button – Press to enter SCAN mode. Press and hold to enter  MONITOR mode. 21. UP/WX SCAN and DOWN Buttons – Make adjustments in MENU mode. Press and hold the UP button for 5 seconds to activate the NOAA Weather Scan function. 22. SPEAKER – Built-in speaker.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

Your radio operates with either a NiMH battery pack or optional 3 AAA alkaline batteries. The belt clip should be removed (see below) to ease the installation or removal of the batteries.
To install the batteries:

1. With the back of the radio facing you, remove the belt clip (see diagram below) for easy access, then remove the Battery Cover by pressing down on the top center and sliding it down from the radio.
2. Insert NiMH battery pack or 3 AAA batteries observing the polarity as shown. Installing the batteries incorrectly will prevent the unit from operating or may damage the unit.
3. Return the Battery Cover by sliding it up on the radio. Replace the belt clip, making sure it locks into place.

INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP
To install the BELT CLIP, slide the clip down into the slot on the back of the radio until the BELT CLIP LATCH clicks. To remove the BELT CLIP, pull the LOCK TAB away from the radio, then gently pull the belt clip up toward the top of the radio.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
Your radios are equipped for using a rechargeable NiMH battery pack (BATT3R) which can be recharged by inserting one end of the USB Cable into a USB power source, and the other end into the radio USB charging jack, or with the optional desktop charger (as described below). While charging, the Battery Meter will flash from 1 to 3 bars.
The LCD display will show FULL when charging is complete. For maximum battery life, Midland recommends charging the battery pack when the low battery icon comes on.  Remove the radios from the charger when the charging is finished.
To charge using the Desktop Charger:

1. Place the BATT3R rechargeable battery packs in the radios.
2. Connect one end of the USB Cable into a USB power source.
3. Insert the other end of the USB Cable into the desktop charger USB jack.
4. Place the radios into the desktop charger slot. While charging, The battery Meter will flash from 1 to 3 bars, and stop when charging is finished. The LCD display will show FULL.

In order to ensure that the battery pack is fully charged, it is recommended that the battery pack be charged with the radio turned OFF.

1. Only use the Midland NiMH battery pack.
2. Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries or any batteries or battery packs other than the one indicated in the manual. This may cause leakage and damage to the radio.
3. For long-term storage of the radio, turn the radio OFF and remove the batteries from the radio.

BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR
Your radio has a BATTERY LEVEL METER that shows the battery power level. The greater the number of bars visible, the stronger the battery level. When the battery level is low, the Battery Shell icon and “bt Lo” will flash in the display indicating your batteries should be replaced or recharged if using a rechargeable battery pack.

OPERATING YOUR RADIO

POWER ON/OFF AND VOLUME
Rotate the POWER/VOLUME knob clockwise to turn the radio on and increase the volume level. Rotate the control counter-clockwise to reduce the volume level and to turn the radio off. During Power On, the radio will beep 2 times with different tones, the LCD will display all icons for 1 second and the LCD display will indicate the last channel
selected.
RESTORING YOUR RADIO TO THE ORIGINAL SETTING
To reset your radio to the original (default) setting, turn on the radio while pressing and holding the s button. The LCD display will briefly show the firmware version number and then reset to standby mode on channel 1 with no Privacy Code.
TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING A CALL
To communicate, all radios in your group must be set to the same channel and/or Privacy Code.

1. For maximum clarity, hold the radio at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your mouth.
2. Press and hold the PTT button and speak in a normal voice into the microphone. The TX icon will appear continuously on the LCD display while transmitting.
3. To receive a call, release the PTT button. The RX icon will appear on the display when your radio is receiving a transmission.

ABOUT RANGE
Your radios are designed to give you maximum range under optimum conditions.

Optimum Conditions are:

• Overwater
• Open rural areas without obstructions
• Flat areas where you can see the other person

To ensure you get maximum range:

• Be sure to use fresh or fully charged batteries – low batteries will cause low power conditions.
• Be sure to set your radio to use Hi-power.

T60 SERIES QUICK REFERENCE CHART

MONITOR
Pressing and holding the MONITOR button for 3 seconds will let you hear a noise so you can adjust the volume level of the radio when not receiving a signal. This could also be used to check any activity on your current channel before transmitting.
Press and hold the MONITOR button for 3 seconds again to get out of MONITOR mode.
SCAN
Your radio can scan all 36 channels for activity. To enter, quickly press the SCAN button. Repeat the same procedure to exit. Your radio will rapidly scan each of the 36 channels and stop on any active channel for 6 seconds before resuming the scan. When you press the PTT button to transmit on an active channel, the scanning function will stop  and remain on the active channel. To resume scanning, quickly press the SCAN button.

CALL ALERT
Your radio can transmit a call alert. To send a call alert, press the CALL button. The TX icon will appear while transmitting a call alert and a tone can be heard on the speaker for confirmation. The T61 radio has 5 call alert selections while the T65 has 10 call alerts including 5 “animal sound” call alerts – Cougar, Duck, Crow, Wolf, and Turkey.
KEYPAD LOCK
To avoid accidentally changing the radio setting, press the LOCK button for 4 seconds. The icon will appear on the display. PTT and CALL will still be active. Repeat the same procedure to unlock the keypad.
CHANNEL SELECTION (FRS BAND)
Press the MENU button once, and then the buttons to select one of the 36 FRS channels. To confirm the selection, press the PTT button or press the MENU button again to move to the next feature setting.
SETTING PRIVACY CODES
Your radio has 121 Privacy Codes available. The selected Privacy Code may be different for each channel. To select a Privacy Code for the current channel press the MENU  button twice, and then the buttons to select between Off/CTCSS/DCS. Press the MENU button again and the buttons to select one of the 38 CTCSS Codes or one of the 83 DCS Codes. The Privacy Code icon on the display will indicate whether you set your Privacy Code in CTCSS or DCS mode. To confirm the selection, press the PTT  button or press the MENU button again to move to the next feature setting.

Note: If you select a CTCSS Privacy Code, any pre-selected DCS Privacy Code will be canceled and vice-versa.
Selecting a Privacy Code of “oF” will disable the Privacy feature.
To communicate between two radios, all radios in your group must be set to the same channel and/or Privacy Code selections.
The Privacy Code can only be set in channels 1~22.

TRANSMIT (TX) POWER LEVEL SELECTION
Your radio has 2 power level settings. To select the power level on channels 1~7 and 15~36, press the MENU button until a “Pr” icon will appear blinking on the display. Then press the buttons to select TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL icon (H: Hi/L: Lo). To confirm, press the PTT button or press the MENU button again to move to the next feature setting. When the PTT button is pressed during Lo Battery  Level condition, the TX power will automatically switch from Hi(H) to Lo(L) level.
Note: You cannot adjust the power setting on channels 8~14. They are set to Lo power per FCC regulations.  !

VOX 
Your radio has 9 VOX level settings: (oF/1~9).
To set VOX, press the MENU button until the display shows “VOX”.
On the right of the CHANNEL NUMBER display, an “oF” icon appears. Select “1” ~ “9” by pressing the buttons and push the PTT key, or press the MENU button again to move to the next feature setting. VOX will be more sensitive on the lower setting than on the higher setting.
To turn VOX off, press the MENU button until the display shows “VOX”. On the right of the CHANNEL NUMBER display, a “1” ~ “9” icon appears. Select “oF” by pressing the buttons and push the PTT key, or press the MENU button again to move to the next feature setting.

ROGER BEEP (end of transmission) TONE
When the PTT button is released, the radio will beep to confirm to other users that your transmission has finished. To set the ROGER BEEP tone, press the MENU button until the display shows an “rb”. Select “on” or “oF” by pressing thebuttons and push the PTT key, or press the MENU button to move to the next feature setting.

CALL ALERT SELECTION
Your radio has 5 selectable CALL ALERTS (10 for T65). To select, press the MENU button until a “CA” icon appears and to the right of the “CA” icon the current CALL  ALERT setting is displayed. Then press the buttons to make the CALL ALERT selections, and the radio will emit a corresponding tone for each selection. To confirm, press the PTT button or press the MENU button to move to the next feature setting.
VIBRATE ALERT (MODEL T65 only)
To set the VIBRATE ALERT, press the MENU button until the display shows the icon. Select “on” or “oF” by pressing the buttons and push the PTT button, or press the  MENU button. The icon will remain on the display if set to “on”.
SILENT OPERATION
Your radio has a SILENT OPERATION mode. In this mode, all “beeps” and “tones” are disabled.
To set the SILENT OPERATION, press the MENU button until the display shows a “bP” icon. Select “on” or “oF” by pressing the buttons and push the PTT key or  MENU button.
NOAA WEATHER RADIO/SCAN
Your radio has an NOAA WEATHER RADIO function to enable the user to receive weather reports from designated NOAA stations. Your radio also has an NOAA  WEATHER SCAN function to enable the user to scan all 10 channels of the NOAA WEATHER RADIO. To turn the NOAA WEATHER SCAN on, press and hold the  WXbutton for 5 seconds while in FRS mode. The radio will go to WX Band mode and start scanning all 10 channels and stop on any active channel. When the channel becomes inactive for 10 seconds the radio will resume scanning.
To stop the NOAA WEATHER (WX) SCAN and set the channel manually on the WX Band, press the MENU button during NOAA WEATHER (WX) SCAN. The radio will stop scanning and the display will show the current WX Band channel setting. While on WX Band mode press the buttons to select one of the 10 NOAA WEATHER  (WX) BAND channels.

To confirm, press the PTT button or press the MENU button to move to the next feature setting.
To turn the NOAA WEATHER RADIO off, press the PTT button. The current FRS radio setting will be displayed and the icon will go off.
NOAA WEATHER ALERT 
Your radio has an NOAA WEATHER ALERT function, to enable you to automatically receive weather alerts from designated NOAA stations. The NOAA WEATHER (WX) ALERT is automatically on during
NOAA WEATHER SCAN mode.
To turn the NOAA WEATHER (WX) ALERT on during normal NOAA WEATHER RADIO mode, press the MENU button twice while in NOAA WEATHER SCAN  mode. The display shows “AL,” while on the right an “oF” icon appears. Select “on” by pressing thebuttons. To confirm, press the PTT button or press MENU. The radio will return to WX BAND and the icon will blink. If the radio receives a WX ALERT signal from a designated NOAA station while on FRS Radio mode, the radio will beep for  20 seconds while an “AL” and “In” icon will appear on the display, after which it will automatically go to WX BAND.
If any button is pressed during beeping while on FRS Radio mode, the radio will automatically go to WX BAND. To turn the NOAA WEATHER (WX) ALERT off, press the  MENU button twice while in WX Band. The display shows “AL,” while on the right an “on” icon appears. Select “oF” by pressing the buttons. To confirm, press the PTT  button or press MENU.

Note: The WX Alert is automatically ON during WX SCAN mode.
EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MICROPHONE JACK
Your radio can be used with an optional external speaker/ microphone or headset, freeing your hands for other tasks. To use an optional speaker/microphone or headset:

• Insert the plug(s) into the SPK/MIC jacks.
• Place the earbud into your ear, and adjust the mic into your desired position.

IMPORTANT: This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

USE AND CARE

1. Use a soft damp cloth to clean the radio.
2. Do not use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio.
3. Do not immerse the radio in water.
4. Dry the radio with a dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.
5. Turn off the radio and remove the batteries during long-term

If you have a problem that you believe requires service, please call first and speak with a service technician at 816-241-8500. Many problems can be remedied over the phone without returning the unit for service.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRS FREQUENCY CHART (MHz)

* Channels 8~14 are low-power FRS channels

NOAA WEATHER (WX) RADIO FREQUENCY CHART (MHz)

* Channels 8, 9 and 10 are designated Canadian Marine Frequencies
PRIVACY CODES FREQUENCY CHART (Hz)

Note: Privacy codes can be programmed for use on Channels 1~22 only.

MIDLAND PRESET CHANNELS

* Channels 34 – 36 are low power channels
DCS PRIVACY CODE CHART

Note: Privacy codes can be programmed for use on Channels 1~22 only

FAQ

1. What are the main features of the Midland X–TALKER T61 two–way radio?

The X–TALKER T61 two–way radio has a variety of features that make it a great choice for use in a variety of situations. Some of the main features include: 36 FRS channels, 121 privacy codes, VOX, 5 selectable call alerts, NOAA weather scan, NOAA weather radio, NOAA weather alert, scan function, monitor function, and roger beep tone.

2. How far can the Midland X–TALKER T61 two–way radio communicate?

The X–TALKER T61 two–way radio has a maximum range of up to 36 miles under optimum conditions. However, range will vary based on terrain, weather, and other factors.

3. What type of batteries does the Midland X–TALKER T61 two–way radio use?

The X–TALKER T61 two–way radio uses 3 AAA alkaline batteries.

4. Does the Midland X–TALKER T61 two–way radio come with a rechargeable battery pack?

No, the X–TALKER T61 two–way radio does not come with a rechargeable battery pack. However, it is compatible with the Midland BATT3R rechargeable battery pack (sold separately).

5. What is the warranty period for the Midland X–TALKER T61 two–way radio?

The Midland X–TALKER T61 two–way radio has a limited warranty period of 1 year.

Q: What is the range of these radios?

A: The range will vary depending on terrain and conditions, but under optimum conditions, you can expect up to 36 miles.

Q: What is the best way to maximize range?

A: There are a few things you can do to maximize range:

1. Keep the antenna pointed up and as vertical as possible.

2. Avoid using the radio near large metal objects or in enclosed spaces such as buildings or vehicles.

3. Make sure the batteries are fully charged.

LIMITED WARRANTY (United States and Canada)

Subject to the exclusions set forth below, Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any Midland FRS transceiver which fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within Three Years following the initial consumer purchase.
This warranty does not apply to water damage, battery leak, abuse or misuse of unauthorized accessories, unauthorized service or modification or altered products.
Accessories have a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase, including any chargers, microphones, and cables.
This warranty does not include the cost of labor for the removal or re-installation of the product in a vehicle or other mounting.
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A  PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED AS SET FORTH HEREIN AND TO THE DURATION OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY, OTHERWISE, THE  REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER AND IS  PROVIDED IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IN NO EVENT SHALL MIDLAND BE LIABLE, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR  TORT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, BODILY INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND DEATH) FOR DAMAGES  IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT OR ACCESSORY, OR FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA OR OTHER
FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE ABILITY OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCTS OR ACCESSORIES TO THE  ULL  EXTENT THESE DAMAGES MAY BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW.
For Product Purchased in the USA: 
Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, prepaid freight, along with proof of purchase to:
Midland Radio  Corporation
Warranty Service Department
5900 Perretta Drive
Kansas City, MO 64120
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Note: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United States of America or any of the territories or possessions thereof, or from the U.S.
Military exchange.
For Product Purchased in Canada:
Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, along with proof of purchase, to your place of purchase in Canada.
This warranty gives you specified legal rights. Additional warranty rights may be provided by law in some areas within Canada.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories can be purchased at midlandusa.com.

MIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION
5900 Perretta Drive
Kansas City, MO 64120
Call 816.241.8500

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you
think of your new Midland product at

Note: Features & Specifications are subject to change without notice. MIDLAND is not responsible for unintentional errors or omissions on its packaging.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Documents / Resources

MIDLAND X-TALKER Two-Way Radios [pdf] Owner's Manual MIDLAND, X-TALKER, Two-Way Radios

References

• Midland Radio | Two Way Radios and Weather Radios