The Ranger AR -3500 transceiver is easy to install. All the necessary parts have been included with your shipment.

1. Unpack the unit and inspect all parts provided.
Carefully remove the radio from the packing carton and examine it for shipping damage. If any damage is found, contact the retail dealer immediately. Save the carton and packing materials for future storage or shipping.

2. Verify that you have received all parts and accessories. 
The following items should have been included in your shipment:

• Transceiver
• Microphone
• Power cable
• Mounting bracket
• Installation hardware 

3. Install the transceiver.
Choose a location for the transceiver where there is easy access to the front panel and free air circulation at the back of the unit. If you are installing the radio in a vehicle, attach the mounting bracket first, then attach the transceiver to the mounting bracket using the hardware provided. Before making any electrical connections, make sure the transceiver is turned off (AF GAIN control).

4. Make power connections. 
The transceiver works on any regulated 13.5 VDC negative ground source. An automobile 12 volt negative ground system is usually more than adequate.

The condition of a vehicle's electrical system can affect operation. A low battery, worn generator/alternator, or poor voltage regulator will impair the performance of the transceiver as well as the vehicle. For example, high noise generation or low voltage delivery can result from these conditions. 

If an AC power supply is used with your transceiver, make sure it is regulated and rated for at least 7AMPs. for 3OW model and 25 AMPS for 10OW model. Low voltage while under load will reduce receiver gain and transmitter output.

The DC power cable that connects to the transceiver's rear panel has a positive (+) red wire and a negative (-) black wire. If you are installing the radio in a vehicle, it is recommended that you connect these wires directly to the battery terminals. If this is not possible, use any convenient B + lead in the interior of the vehicle and the negative frame. The transceiver has an internal DC filter that eliminates a large amount of transient voltage spikes.

5. Connect the antenna.

You can operate the transceiver with any standard 50 ohm ground-plane, vertical, mobile whip, long wire, or similar antenna. A standard SO-239 type connector is provided on the rear panel of the transceiver for use with a PL-259 antenna connector.

A ground-plane antenna provides greater coverage and is ideal for base station to mobile operation since it is essentially non-directional. From base station to base station, or point to point operation, a directional beam operates at greater distances even under adverse conditions.

A non-directional antenna should be used in a mobile installation; a vertical whip antenna is best suited for this purpose. The base loaded whip antenna normally provides effective communications. For greater range and more reliable operation, a full quarter wave whip may be used. Either of these antennas use the metal car body as a ground-plane. The shield of the base as well as the metal case of the transceiver should be grounded.

6. Attach the microphone to the radio.

A high quality, dynamic microphone is supplied with the Ranger transceiver. Simply plug it into the jack provided on the front of the transceiver. To transmit, press the PTT (Press-to-Talk) button; release the button receive.