Controls and Indicators

Retractable

Antenna

 

1

 

 

Extend for

 

2

optimum

 

 

 

performance.

 

3

 

 

Earpiece

 

4

Status

 

5

Indicators

 

6

Provide a

 

 

 

visual

7

8

indication of

 

9

conditions

 

 

 

associated

 

10

with cellular

 

 

 

telephone

 

 

service.

 

 

IU (In Use) — Flashes slowly when call is in progress.

RM(Roam) — Flashes if your phone is accessing another cellular system other than your home registered system.

NS (No Service) — Flashes slowly when the phone is out of service range of a cellular system. Calls cannot be placed or received when this light is on.

Signal Strength Indicator — Flashes the relative strength of the signal received by the phone (see page 9).

Battery Strength Indicator — Lights steadily to indicate the estimated remaining capacity of the battery (see page 11).

Number Display

(Be sure to remove the protective label affixed to the display.) Displays phone number, memory location number, or message. Some information will require viewing sequentially displayed messages.

x

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Image 12
Motorola MicroTAC owner manual Controls and Indicators, ➋ Earpiece ➌ Status Indicators

MicroTAC specifications

The Motorola MicroTAC, introduced in 1989, is an iconic mobile phone that set the stage for the evolution of modern cellular technology. Known for its innovative design, the MicroTAC was one of the first truly portable mobile phones, demonstrating how far telecommunications had come since the bulky models of earlier decades.

One of the standout features of the MicroTAC was its flip design, which allowed the phone to be compact when closed and easy to carry. When opened, the phone revealed a numeric keypad and a small monochrome display, which provided essential functions and caller ID information. This flip mechanism not only contributed to its portability but also protected the keypad and screen from damage when not in use.

The MicroTAC was notable for its lightweight plastic casing, which made it significantly lighter than its contemporaries. Weighing just under 250 grams, it was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. The phone had a unique “antenna-in-handle” design, which contributed to its sleek appearance while also optimizing signal reception. This innovation was part of Motorola’s effort to make mobile communication accessible and convenient.

In terms of battery life, the MicroTAC featured a rechargeable NiCd battery that provided several hours of talk time. While modern smartphones boast days of battery life, the MicroTAC was considered admirable for its time, allowing users the freedom to communicate on the go without frequent recharges.

The Motorola MicroTAC operated on analog networks, specifically using the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS). This technology allowed for a clearer voice transmission and was crucial in the early days of mobile communication, enabling users to connect in various environments where fixed lines were impractical.

Additionally, the MicroTAC boasted features like call waiting, auto redial, and a phone book capable of storing multiple contacts—a considerable leap forward from earlier mobile devices.

Despite its simplicity compared to modern smartphones, the Motorola MicroTAC laid the groundwork for future mobile technologies and design principles. Its combination of portability, innovative engineering, and user-friendly features solidified Motorola's reputation as a leader in telecommunications. The MicroTAC remains a nostalgic symbol of the early mobile telephony era and a testament to the foundational technologies that paved the way for today's devices.