User's Manual

Viking™ VP600 Portable Radio Operating Manual 3-9
General Operation
3.4.2 Low Battery Indication
Note If the radio contains encryption keys and is not programmed for infinite key retention, be
sure to reattach a battery within approximately 3 minutes to prevent the loss of these keys
(see following). Estimated time for losing keys with infinite key retention unchecked is 3.5
minutes.
A low-battery condition is indicated by the icon in the display. The level of the
battery may be indicated in Top Display and/or Front Display of the radio if programmed.
The fuel level is indicated by the bar in the icon. (For specific levels for each icon, please
refer to Table 2.3, “Display Icons”.) The battery should be recharged or replaced as soon
as possible, after this indication appears. Once this indication appears, it stays on until
power is cycled.
When the battery drains to 10% (the low-battery state), audible and visual low battery
indicators (if programmed) are activated. The following additional low battery indications
and conditions may be enabled:
• A chirp sounds every 60 seconds in the receive standby and transmit modes.
• A chirp sounds each time the PTT switch is pressed.
• The top panel LED indicator flashes red every 30 seconds in the receive mode.
• Low power is selected when transmitting.
As previously indicated, the radio may need to be connected to a constant power source to
preserve the encryption keys in memory. This is required if “infinite key retention” is not
programmed. To allow the battery to be changed without losing the keys with this feature
disabled, storage capacitors maintain the supply voltage to memory for approximately 3.5
minutes without a battery attached. Therefore, be sure to reattach a battery within that
time. Refer to Section 8 for more information on encryption keys.
3.4.3 Battery Charging
Note When a battery is charged while attached to the radio, make sure radio power is off (see
following).
The battery can be charged separately or while attached to the radio. When it is charged
while attached to the radio, radio power should be turned off. If it is not, the battery begins
slowly discharging when the charger enters the trickle charge mode. This mode is
indicated by a green Ready indication, and it is entered automatically when the battery is
nearly fully charged. Gradual discharging occurs in the trickle mode because the charge
current is less than the radio standby current (of approximately 200 mA).
Be sure to read the instructions for operation of the battery charger, and follow all of them
carefully.