148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:11 PM Page 1 Contents Features..................................................................................................1 The CB Story.........................................................................................A1 FCC Regulations FCC Warnings Included Accessories Controls & Indicators.......................................................................A2 Our Thanks to You .............................................................................A3 SoundTrackerTM Customer Support Installation Location............................................................................................. 2 Mounting and Connection.........................................................2 Antennas CB Antenna.......................................................................................6 Marine Installation.........................................................................6 Ignition Noise Interference ..........................................................7 Operating Your 148 NW ST Turning On Your CB........................................................................8 Setting Channel Selector............................................................. 9 To Receive..........................................................................................10 S-Meter...............................................................................................10 SoundTrackerTM System................................................................11 Activating SoundTrackerTM ..........................................................12 NB, Off, (Noise Blanker/Limiter) Switch...................................13 Dimmer Switch................................................................................14 RF Gain Control................................................................................14 Setting Squelch...............................................................................16 To Transmit........................................................................................20 RF Meter.............................................................................................21 External Speaker.............................................................................22 PA (Public Address)........................................................................23 Home And Office Set-Up .............................................................25 Temporary Mobile Set-up............................................................26 How Your CB Can Serve You..........................................................27 A Few Rules You Should Know ..................................................27 Channel 9 Emergency Messages..............................................27 CB 10 Codes......................................................................................29 Frequency Ranges.............................................................................31 148 NW ST Specifications..............................................................32 Warranty Information .....................................................................33 Optional Accessories .......................................................................34 Order Form ...........................................................................................36 If You Think You Need Service ...................................Back Cover How to Use Your Cobra 148 NW ST Features of This Product · 40 CB Radio Channels · 80 SSB Channels · SoundTracker TM System · Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone · Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output · 12 Watts SSB RF Power Output · Instant Channel 9 · Front Panel 4-Pin Microphone Connector · Switchable Noise Blanker · Adjustable Dynamike Boost · Tactile Controls · SWR Calibration Meter · RF Gain · 9 Ft Mic Cord · Illuminated Front Panel · Dimmer Control CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN ! CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ! 1 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:11 PM Page 2 Installation Location Location Plan location of transceiver and microphone bracket before starting the installation. Select a location that is convenient for operation, yet does not interfere with the driver or passenger. The transceiver is usually mounted to the underside of the dash with the microphone bracket beside it. Installation Mounting and Connection Note The transceiver is held in the universal mounting bracket by four thumbscrews which allow for adjustment at a convenient angle. The bracket includes two selftapping screws and star washers.The mounting must be mechanically strong, conveniently located. Mounting and Connection 1 Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in the exact desired location. If there is no interference, remove the bracket and use it as a template to mark the location for the mounting screws. 3 Connect the antenna cable plug to the receptacle marked "ANT" on the back of the unit. 2 Drill the holes and secure the bracket. continued 2 3 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 4 Installation Note Connecting to an accessory fuse prevents the unit from being left on accidentally, and also permits operating the unit without running the engine. Note In positive ground vehicles the red wire goes to the chassis and the black wire is connected to the ignition switch. Note Before installing the CB radio, visually check the vehicle's battery connection to determine which terminal, positive or negative, is grounded (positive is the larger of the t wo) to the engine block (or chassis).A negatively grounded vehicle has its negative lead grounded to the chassis. Installation 6 Plug power cable into back of unit mar ked "Power" Be sure to observe polarity markings. . Mount the microphone bracket on either side of the unit (driver's left) using two screws supplied. Bracket should be placed under the dash so microphone is readily accessible. 7 4 In a negative grounded vehicle, connect the red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory 12 volt fuse. Connect the black lead to the negative side of the vehicle. This is usually the chassis. Any convenient location with a good electrical contact (remove paint) may be used. 5 8 Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to receptacle on front of unit and Install unit in bracket securely. 5 4 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 6 Antennas CB Antenna Note Ignition Noise Interference CB Antenna Use of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is normally limited by the presence of electrical noise. The primary source of noise in automobiles is from the alternator and ignition system. Typically, when signal level is adequate, the background noise does not present a serious problem. Also, when extremely low level signals are being received, the transceiver may be operated with the vehicle's engine turned off. The unit requires very little current and therefore will not significantly discharge the vehicle's battery. Even though the Cobra 148 NW ST has an automatic noise limiter, in some installations ignition interference may be high enough to make good communications impossible. Many possibilities exist and variations between vehicles require different solutions. Consult your COBRA dealer or a 2-way radio technician for help in locating the source of a severe noise. Since the maximum allowable power output of the transmitter is limited by the FCC,the antenna For optimum performance in is critical in affecting transmission distance. Only passenger cars the ideal anten- a properly matched antenna system will allow na location is on the center of maximum power output. Cobra loaded type the roof. Second choice is on the antenna models are highly recommended for center of the trunk. most installations. Consult your Cobra dealer for further details, or call 773.889.3087 and speak to Note a Cobra representative. Because many newer trucks feature fiberglass door skins, the outside mirror must be grounded to the chassis via a ground strap if the antenna is mounted on mirror bracket. Note 3-way Combination Antennas are also available which allow operation of all three bands (AM-FM & CB),using a single antenna. However, this type of antenna usually results in less than normal transmit and receive range when compared to a standard-type "Single Band" CB antenna. Call 773889-3087 for further information. 1 A standard antenna connector is provided on the transceiver for easy connection. Marine Installation The transceiver will not operate at maximum efficiency in a boat without a ground plate, (unless it has a steel hull). Before attempting installation , consult your dealer for information regarding an adequate grounding system and prevention of electrolysis between fittings in the hull and water. 6 7 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 8 Operation Turning On Turning On Make sure the power cord, antenna and microphone are connected to their proper connectors before starting. Operation Setting Channel Selector Setting Channel Selector 1 1 The CB/PA button should be in the CB position. Select one of forty channels and adjust volume. The selected channel is indicated by the LED readout directly above the channel selector knob 2 Rotate the On/Off Volume knob a normal listening level. clockwise to 8 9 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 10 Operation To Receive To Receive The SoundTracker TM System While previous systems only "blanket out" or limit noise in higher sound frequencies, the revolutionary new SoundTrackerTM System actually reduces noise while leaving the signal intact in the reception mode. In the transmission mode, it actually strengthens the signal,providing you with a significant reduction in noise on reception and transmission. Operation Note SoundTrackerTM gives you clearer, cleaner reception to improve CB communications while on the air. 1 Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise the green RT/TX LED will be illuminated. Sound clarity is measured by the ratio of the signal level to the noise level. The higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the better the sound. How SoundTracker TM Works On Reception - "Cuts noise coming in" With a normal CB, distant signals fall below the squelch level and are unintelligible. With a SoundTrackerTM CB, the noise level is cut up to 90%,which increases the signal-to-noise ratio and dramatically improves signal clarity. This also allows you to significantly reduce the squelch level,which greatly expands your listening range. On Transmission - "Strengthens signals going out" A SoundTrackerTM CB strengthens the transmit signal by more effectively using the available RF power output of the CB. The result is improved transmission signal clarity and an expanded transmission range. S-Meter S-Meter Swings proportionately to strength of incoming signal when receiving. 1 The S/RF-SWR-CAL switch must be in the S/RF position to read the meter. 10 11 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 12 Operation Activating SoundTrackerTM Activating SoundTrackerTM NB-ANL/ANL/OFF (Noise Blanker/Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch Operation NB-ANL/ANL/ OFF (Noise Blanker / Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch Note The RF Noise Blanker is very effective in reducing repetitive noises such as ignition interference. The Automatic Noise Limiter helps reduce noise created by the vehicle's electronics. 1 Push and release the ST button. Red LED is illuminated when SoundTrackerTM is turned on. 1 When switched to ANL the Automatic Noise Limiter is activated. This helps reduce noise created by the vehicle's electronics. When switched to NB/ANL position the RF Noise Blanker is also activated, providing increased noise filtration. When switched to OFF position all noise filtration will be turned off. Hi/Low Tone Control Hi/Low/ Tone Control 1 to When switched,this button is used to shape the audio response to the operator's preference. 12 13 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 14 Operation Dimmer Control Dimmer Control Controls the brightness of the front panel,signal strength meter and channel display Operation USB/AM/LSB Switch For maximum brightness turn clockwise; counterclockwise for minimum illumination 1 Select mode of operation from to LSB USB to AM RF Gain Control RF Gain Control The RF Gain is used to optimize reception in strong or weak signal areas. Voice Lock Note The RF Gain is used to optimiz e reception in weak signal areas. 1 Rotate the RF Gain knob counterclockwise to reduce gain in strong signal areas. In weak signal areas turn clockwise to increase gain. 1 to Ro t ate to clarify re ce i ve r's fre q u e n c i e s a bove and be l ow assigned fre q u e n c i e s. Pri m a rily used to tune SSB signals as we l l as optimizing AM signals. 14 15 148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 16 Operation ...