N39plus Advanced Manual
IMPORTANT
Important Safety & Compliance Information
PRECAUTIONS
DANGER! NEVER operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. This could cause an explosion resulting in injury or death.
DANGER! NEVER use or charge TALKPOD battery packs with non-TALKPOD transceivers or non-TALKPOD chargers. Only TALKPOD battery packs are tested and approved for use with TALKPOD transceivers. Using third-party or counterfeit battery packs or chargers may cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst.
DANGER! NEVER operate the transceiver with earphones, a headset, or other audio accessories at high volume levels. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use.
WARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that the antenna is very close to, or touching, exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting.
WARNING! NEVER operate or touch the transceiver with wet hands. This could cause an electric shock or damage the transceiver.
WARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an incorrect power source or use reverse polarity. This could cause a short circuit, fire, or damage the transceiver.
CAUTION: DO NOT short the terminals of the battery pack. Shorting may occur if the terminals touch metal objects such as keys or coins. Carry them so that shorting cannot occur.
- CAUTION:DO NOT operate the transceiver unless the flexible antenna, battery pack, and jack cover are securely attached. Exposing the inside of the transceiver to dust or water will result in serious damage.
- CAUTION:DO NOT operate the transceiver while driving a vehicle. Safe driving requires your full attention—anything less may result in an accident. Always comply with local laws regarding the use of mobile devices while driving.
CAUTION: DO NOT place or leave the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with extreme temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) or above +60°C (+140°F).
RF EXPOSURE AND SAR COMPLIANCE
WARNING! This transceiver emits Radio Frequency (RF) energy. To maintain compliance with FCC/CE RF exposure guidelines, hold the transceiver at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away.
When worn on the body, always use a Talkpod-approved belt clip or accessory. Use of non-approved accessories may result in RF exposure levels that exceed FCC/CE occupational/controlled environmental limits.
MEDICAL DEVICES & RESTRICTED AREAS
Pacemakers and Implanted Medical Devices: Always keep the transceiver at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) away from pacemakers or other implanted medical devices when the radio is turned ON. Do not carry the radio in a breast pocket.
Restricted Facilities: Turn off your radio in facilities where posted notices instruct you to do so, such as hospitals, healthcare facilities, and commercial aircraft, as the RF energy may interfere with sensitive electronic equipment.
BATTERY CAUTIONS
DANGER! NEVER incinerate used battery packs. Internal battery gas may cause an explosion.
DANGER! NEVER strike or otherwise impact the battery pack. Do not use the battery pack if it has been severely impacted or dropped. Even if the surface does not show cracks, the cells inside may rupture or catch fire.
DANGER! NEVER solder the battery terminals, or modify the battery pack. This may cause heat generation, and the battery may burst, emit smoke, or catch fire.
DANGER! NEVER let fluid from inside the battery get in your eyes. This can cause blindness. Rinse your eyes with clean water, without rubbing them, and immediately go to a doctor.
WARNING! NEVER let fluid from inside the battery cells come in contact with your skin. If it does, immediately wash with clean water.
- CAUTION: DO NOT expose the battery pack to rain, snow, saltwater, or any other liquids. Do not charge or use a wet pack. If the pack gets wet, be sure to wipe it with a dry cloth before using.
- CAUTION:DO NOT leave the pack fully charged, completely discharged, or in an excessive temperature environment for an extended period. If left unused for a long time, use the pack until the remaining capacity is about half, then detach it and store it in a cool, dry place. Replace the battery pack with a new one approximately every 3 to 5 years.
CHARGING CAUTIONS
CAUTION: DO NOT charge the transceiver during a lightning storm. It may result in an electric shock, cause a fire, or damage the transceiver. Always disconnect the power adapter before a storm.
WARNING! NEVER charge or leave the battery in the charger beyond the specified charging time. If the pack is not completely charged by the specified time, stop charging. Continuing to charge may cause a fire or overheating.
CAUTION: DO NOT insert the transceiver into the charger if it is wet or soiled. This could corrode the terminals or damage the charger.
FCC & CANADA RSS INFORMATION
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not expressly approved by TALKPOD Inc., could void your authority to operate this device under FCC regulations.
For Canada: This device complies with Industry Canada license-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.
CE AND DOC
- The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol reminds you that in the European Union, all electrical and electronic products and batteries must be taken to designated collection locations at the end of their working life
- Do not dispose of these products as unsorted municipal waste.
CARE & MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATION
- If the transceiver becomes exposed to saltwater, dust, or dirt, DO NOT submerge it. Carefully wipe it clean with a soft, damp cloth (freshwater), then dry it completely before operating or charging.
Note: The transceiver meets IP54 requirements for dust and water resistance. However, if the device is dropped or the jack cover is not securely closed, waterproof protection cannot be guaranteed.
Device Overview
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Parts Description
Display Description & Status Icons
The battery has sufficient capacity. | |
The battery is exhausted a little. | |
The Battery is exhausted a half. | |
The battery is nearing exhaustion. | |
The battery is almost fully exhausted. Immediately charge thebattery pack. *After a while, the icon blinks and the transceiver will beturned OFF. |
Battery | Displays the remaining battery power. When the battery is about to run out, the outer frame of the symbol flashes, and the transceiver prohibits transmission. | |
Username Or Account | The current login user name or account. | |
Member Number | The number of people currently online in the group. | |
Time | The current communication time in the group. | |
Sim Card | Allow your device to legally connect to the carrier's network. | |
AB A Segment B Segment Transmit | Indicates the respective frequency segment. | |
Signal Strength Received | Current strength of the transmitted signal. | |
| VOL Modulati on Level | Current amplitude of the transmitted audio. | |
Keyboard Lock | Keyboard Lock hold to lock your keypad. When the "Locked" sign displayed, you can not use keypad to do anything. | |
Transmission Information | Indicates that the user started the mic 1 minutes ago. | |
Reception Information | Signal received the user started the mic 1 minutes ago. |
Getting Started
Attaching the Antenna
Installing the SIM Card
Attaching/Detaching the Battery
Attaching and Detaching the Belt Clip
Charging the Battery
Battery Conditioning and Charging Safety
Power Switch / Volume Control
First Launch & SIM Information
General Settings
Use the General Settings menu to customize the core operational behaviors, display preferences, and power management of your N39plus radio.
To access these settings, navigate to: Menu > Settings > General Settings.
Configuring the Display Timeout (Screen Off)
This setting determines how long the device waits before automatically turning off the display to conserve battery life.
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > Screen Off
Available Options: * 15s, 30s, 45s, 60s
120s (Default factory setting)
Setting the Screen Wake Behavior (TX/ RX SCR on/ off)
Customize whether the display automatically illuminates when you press the PTT button to transmit (TX) or when the radio receives an incoming call (RX).
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > TX/ RX SCR on/ off
Available Options:
Default: Standard factory behavior.
Off For TX & RX: The screen stays completely dark during both transmission and reception (ideal for covert operations or maximum battery saving).
On When TX: The screen lights up only when you are transmitting.
On When RX: The screen lights up only when receiving an incoming call.
Configuring the Time-Out Timer (TOT Setting)
The Time-Out Timer restricts the maximum duration of a single continuous transmission. Once the specified time limit is reached, the device will automatically stop transmitting and emit a warning tone. This prevents accidental prolonged transmissions (e.g., a stuck PTT button), avoids device overheating, and ensures fair channel usage among team members.
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > TOT Setting
Available Options: * 10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
60s (Default)
70s, 80s, 90s, 100s, 110s, 120s
Selecting the Operating Mode (Power & Performance Profiles)
Adjust the balance between system responsiveness and battery conservation based on your current operational needs.
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > Operating Mode
Available Options:
Fast Speed Mode: Prioritizes processing power for faster channel switching and ultra-low system latency. Ideal for dynamic environments where rapid communication is critical. Note: This mode slightly increases power consumption.
Normal Mode (Default): Provides an optimal balance between stable performance and efficient power consumption. Recommended for everyday communication scenarios.
Power Saving Mode: Reduces background activity to extend battery life. Ideal for long shifts where charging options are unavailable.
Super Power Saving Mode: Disables most non-critical functions to provide the highest level of energy conservation. Designed strictly for extreme low-battery situations to maintain basic voice communication as long as possible.
Setting the Transmit Reply Behavior (A/B Channel Sync)
When monitoring two groups simultaneously (Dual Channel), this setting dictates which group your radio will transmit on when you press the PTT button.
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > A/B Channel Sync
Available Options:
Off (Default): The radio will only transmit on the currently selected primary band, regardless of where the last call came from.
Transmit In A Band: The PTT button is locked to transmit on Group A only.
Transmit In B Band: The PTT button is locked to transmit on Group B only.
Following: Smart reply mode. The radio will automatically transmit on the group (A or B) that most recently received an incoming call.
Enabling or Disabling Quick Input
Controls whether users can directly enter a Group ID using the keypad straight from the home screen. Disabling this feature prevents accidental group switching.
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > Quick Input
Available Options: * ON (Default): Keypad group entry is allowed on the home screen.
OFF: Keypad group entry is blocked on the home screen.
Enabling Dual Channel Monitoring (Dual Standby)
Allows the radio to simultaneously monitor and listen to voice traffic on two separate groups (Group A and Group B).
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > Dual channel
Available Options: * ON (Default): Dual monitoring is active.
OFF: The radio monitors only the primary selected group.
Changing the System Language
Set the display language for all menus and on-screen prompts.
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > Language
Available Options: * English (Default)
Note: Additional languages such as Spanish, Chinese, Thai, or Japanese may be available depending on your region's specific firmware version.
Audio Settings
Use the Audio Settings menu to customize the transmit (PTT) and receive prompt tones. These audible alerts (often called "Roger Beeps") help you and your team know exactly when a transmission begins and ends without needing to look at the screen.
To access these settings, navigate to: Menu > Settings > Audio Settings.
Enabling the Transmit Tone (Send Tone)
Controls whether a short alert tone plays when you press the PTT button, confirming that the device has successfully connected to the network and started transmitting.
Path: Menu > Settings > Audio Settings > Send Tone (On/Off)
Available Options:
ON (Default): The transmit tone is enabled.
OFF: The device will transmit silently when the PTT button is pressed.
Selecting the Transmit Tone Type (Send Tone Selection)
Choose the specific audio melody or signaling style that plays when you initiate a transmission.
Path: Menu > Settings > Audio Settings > Send Tone (Selection)
Available Options:
Start Default
Quindar_1 (Default)
Enabling the End-of-Transmission Tone (End Tone)
Controls whether a closing alert plays when you release the PTT button. This signals to your team that you have finished speaking and the channel is clear for them to reply.
Path: Menu > Settings > Audio Settings > End Tone (On/Off)
Available Options:
ON (Default): The end tone is enabled.
OFF: No tone will play when you release the PTT button.
Selecting the End Tone Type (End Tone Selection)
Choose the specific audio melody or classic radio signaling standard that plays when a transmission ends. The N39plus includes a wide variety of professional industry-standard tones (such as MDC1200 or Quindar) to match your team's preferences.
Path: Menu > Settings > Audio Settings > End Tone (Selection)
Available Options:
Start Default
End default (Default)
G_STAR_400
HDC1200
MDC1200
MDC1200 Echo
MDC1200 Preamble
Modat
MP7
Talk encrypted
Talk normal
Talk trunking
Magic
ICOM_1
ICOM_2
Quindar_1
Quindar_2
Squelch
Shortcut Key Settings (Programmable Keys)
Use the Shortcut Key Settings to customize the programmable buttons—Side Key 2, Side Key 3 (located below the PTT button), and the keypad # key. Assigning frequently used features to these keys enables rapid navigation and convenient "blind operation" without needing to look at the screen.
To access these settings, navigate to: Menu > Settings > General Settings.
Configuring Side Key 2, Side Key 3, and Keypad
Assign specific functions to your programmable keys for quick access.
Path: Menu > Settings > General Settings > Side Key 2 (or Side Key 3 / Keypad #)
Available Options:
None: Disables the shortcut function. The button will have no effect when pressed.
Call Log (Default for Side Key 2): Instantly opens your communication history. It displays the last 50 incoming and outgoing calls, including the user's Call Sign (Name), Group ID, TX/RX status, call duration (in seconds), and exact timestamp (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS).
Group members (Default for Side Key 3): Displays a real-time list of currently online users within your active group (supports displaying up to 100 members).
Keypad Lock (Default for Keypad #): Instantly locks the front keypad to prevent accidental presses. Note: When locked, the PTT button remains active for transmitting, but you cannot switch A/B groups or use other shortcut keys.
Group Info: Opens your saved group directory, allowing you to quickly select and switch to a pre-saved group.
Important Operation Notes:
Side Key 2 & 3: Triggered by a short press.
Keypad #: Triggered by a long press (hold for 1 second). Note: The '#' key shortcut is temporarily disabled while the device is in text input mode.
About (Device Information & Settings)
Use the About menu to view your device's user profile, SIM card authentication status, data usage, and software/hardware versions.
To access these details, navigate to: Menu > About.
Viewing and Editing User Information (User Info)
Check your account ID and customize your public display name.
Path: Menu > About > User Info
Available Details:
Call Sign: Your public display name (defaults to your Login Account). You can edit this to a custom name using letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9). Special characters are not supported.
⌨️ Keypad Shortcuts: Press # to toggle between uppercase and lowercase letters. Short press the Red key to delete a character. Press the Green key to confirm and save. Long press the Red key to exit without saving.
Login Account: The unique, auto-registered ID for your device. This field is read-only and will be required if you need to contact technical support for troubleshooting.
Checking SIM ID and Authentication Status (SIM ICCID)
View your SIM card's unique serial number and verify its network certification status.
Path: Menu > About > SIM ICCID
Available Details:
ICCID: The 20-digit serial number of your SIM card. You will need this number when renewing your subscription or requesting data support.
Authorized SIM: If this label appears at the bottom of the screen, your device is using an official, active VHAM SIM card.
Note: If the "Authorized SIM" label is missing, your official data subscription may have expired, or you are using an uncertified third-party SIM card. For assistance, please email support@talkpod.com with your ICCID.
Monitoring Data Usage and Expiration (SIM Data)
Check the status of your official VHAM data subscription, including your remaining data and renewal date.
Path: Menu > About > SIM Data
Available Details:
Every Month: Your total monthly data allowance (e.g., 800MB).
Used: Data consumed during the current billing cycle.
Remaining: Data available until the next cycle.
End Time: The exact expiration date of your annual subscription (Format: YYYY-MM-DD).
Note: If you are using a third-party data SIM card, this menu will be hidden or display as blank.
Checking Firmware Version (Software Info)
View the current operating system version of your radio.
Path: Menu > About > Software Info
Available Details:
Current Ver: Displays your current firmware build (e.g., 1.0.0).
⚠️ Important Update Note: Your device ships with the most stable firmware version for your region. Unless explicitly instructed by Talkpod Support to resolve a specific localized issue, we strongly advise against manually updating the firmware, as beta versions may introduce instability.
Verifying Hardware Version (Device Info)
Identify your specific hardware model and regional network band version.
Path: Menu > About > Device Info
Available Details:
Device Model: N39plus
Device Ver: Identifies the regional hardware build (e.g., E28 for Europe, E29 for North America, E30 for Asia).
⚠️ Critical Warning: Always verify this hardware version number before attempting any firmware flashes. Installing firmware designed for a different regional hardware version will permanently disable ("brick") the device.