18.WX.ST.MAN.ORIG. 9/19/97 2:54 PM Page 1 Operating Instructions for Your WITH INSTANT EMERGENCY CHANNEL 9 CITIZENS BAND 2-WAY MOBILE RADIO Model Welcome to the Cobra Family of 2-way communications. Cobra has dedicated over 30 years of research and development to the technology that made Cobra #1 in CB Radios. Please take some time to read this booklet. Although this CB is simple to operate, we want you to be aware of all the unique features your new CB Radio offers. WARNING Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes or other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by Cobra, may cause violation of the technical regulations of Part 95 of the FCC Rules, or violation of Type Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules. LICENSING Citizens Band (CB) Radio operators are no longer required to obtain an FCC license to operate their CB equipment or provide station identification. Nevertheless, an operator of a CB radio station is still required to comply with the communications act and with the rules of CB Radio Operation. Installation Location Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before starting the installation. Select a location that is convenient for operation and does not interfere with the driver or passengers in the vehicle. In automobiles, the transceiver is usually mounted to the underneath of the dash panel, with the microphone bracket beside it. THE CB STORY The Citizens Band lies between the shortwave broadcast and 10-meter Amateur radio bands, and was established by law in 1949. The Class D two-way communications service was opened in 1959. (CB also includes a Class A citizens band and Class A remote control frequencies.) FCC regulations permit only "transmissions" (one-party to another) rather than" broadcast" (to a wide audience). Thus, advertising is not allowed on CB channels because that is "broadcasting". "Cuts Static coming in, adds Punch going out!" Cobra proudly introduces the first Patent Pending technology that dramatically improves the transmission and reception of CB radio signals. This revolutionary system reconfigures the transmission signal which allows it to be transferred more effectively through cluttered airwaves. It literally ÒpunchesÓ your message through the hundreds of thousands of signals that are in the air. At the same time, SoundTracker system dynamically adjusts the relationship between the signal and static commonly referred to as noise. This allows CobraÕs SoundTracker system to significantly reduce the amount of static on all incoming CB signals. The system can be further optimized when two SoundTracker CBÕs are used to talk to each other. The end result is a clearer, cleaner sounding reception of signals and more powerful transmission which dramatically improve CB Communications Mounting and Connections The transceiver is held in the universal mounting bracket by two thumb screws, permitting adjustment at the most convenient angle. A universal mounting bracket is supplied along with self tapping screws and star washers. The mounting must be mechanically strong and also provide a good electrical connection to the chassis of the vehicle. To mount the transceiver: 1. Determine the most convenient location in your vehicle. Hold the COBRA radio with mounting bracket in the exact location desired. If nothing will interfere with mounting it in the desired position, remove the mounting bracket and use it as a template to mark the location for the mounting screws. 2. Drill necessary holes and secure mounting bracket in location. 1 18.WX.ST.MAN.ORIG. 9/19/97 2:54 PM Page 2 3. Connect the antenna cable plug to the standard receptacle on the unit. Most CB antennas are terminated with a type PL-259 plug which mates with the receptacle marked "ANT." 4. Connect the red lead of DC power cord to +13.8 VDC. In automobile installations, +13.8VDC is usually obtained from the accessory contact in the fuse box. This prevents the set being left on accidentally and also permits operating the unit without the vehicle's engine running. Before installing the CB radio, visually check the vehicle battery connections to determine which battery terminal, positive or negative (positive is the larger of the two) is grounded to the engine block (or chassis). Mobile whip antennas utilize the metal body of the vehicle as a ground plane. When mounted at a corner of the vehicle they are slightly directional, in the direction of the body of the vehicle. For all practical purposes, however, the radiation pattern is non-directional. The slight directional characteristic will be observed only at extreme distances. A standard antenna connector (Type SO-239) is provided on the transceiver for easy connection to a standard PL-259 cable termination. Cobra loaded-type antenna models AT-35, AT-60 and AT-70 are highly recommended for most installations. Consult your Cobra dealer for further details (or see order form at the back of this book). When installed in a boat, the transceiver will not operate at maximum efficiency without a ground plate unless the vessel has a steel hull. Before installing the transceiver in a boat, consult your dealer for information regarding an adequate grounding system and prevention of electrolysis between fittings in the hull and water. 3-Way Combination Antennas are available which allow operation of all three bands (AM-FM & CB), using a single antenna. However, use of this type of antenna usually results in less than normal transmit and receive range when compared to a standard-type "Single Band" antenna designed for CB only. 5. Connect the black lead to the negative side of the automobile. This is usually the chassis of the car. Any convenient location with good electrical contact (remove paint) may be used. 6. Mount the microphone bracket on right side of the transceiver or near it using two screws supplied. When mounting in an automobile, place the bracket under the dash so the microphone is readily accessible. CB Antenna Since the maximum allowable power output to the transmitter is limited by the FCC, the antenna is one important factor affecting transmission distance. Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maximum power transfer from a 50-ohm transmission line to the radiating element. In mobile installations (cars, trucks, boats, etc.), an antenna system that is non-directional should be used. A vertically polarized quarter-length whip antenna provides the most reliable operation and the greatest range. The shorter loaded-type whip antennas are more attractive, compact and adequate for applications where the maximum possible range is not required. Also the loaded whips do not present the problems of height imposed by the full quarter-wavelength whip. Ignition Noise Interference Use of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is normally limited by the presence of electrical noise. The primary source of noise in automobile installations is from the alternator and ignition system in the vehicle. Under most operating conditions, 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 vehicle engine turned off. The unit requires very little current and therefore will not significantly discharge the vehicle battery. Even though this COBRA radio has an automatic noise limiter, in some installations ignition interference may be high enough to make good communications impossible. The electrical noise may come from several sources. Many possibilities exist, and variations between vehicles require different solutions to reduce the noise. Consult your COBRA dealer or a 2-way radio technician for help in locating and correcting the source of severe noise. 2 18.WX.ST.MAN.ORIG. 9/19/97 2:54 PM Page 3 Temporary Mobile Operation To operate your COBRA transceiver from a car on a temporary basis, you may want to purchase an additional cigarette lighter adapter from your COBRA dealer. This adapter and a magnetic mount antenna allow you to quickly "install" your transceiver for temporary use. 4. CB,WX1, WX2, WX3. CB mode is for normal CB opera5. tion. Switch to WX1, or WX2, or WX3 to find the Weather VHF Radio Station active in your area. Channel Up/Down Buttons. When depressed, these buttons are used to select any one of the forty citizens band channels desired. For a "RAPID" change of channels, depress and hold the desired button (up or down). This allows all 40 channels to be covered in about 6 seconds. LED Channel Display. The selected channel will be displayed. S/RF Power Meter. Shows relative transmitter RF output power and input signal strength when receiving. The LED (Light Emitting Diode) segments glow green to amber to red...this indicates receive or transmit activity. RX/TX Indicator LED. 4 red indicator will light when in the receive mode. A green indicator lights when in receive mode. When weather channel is selected, the channel display will be turned off. SoundTrackerTMLED. A red indicator will illuminate when the SoundTracker system is engaged on your CB. Channel 9 Button. Depressing this button provides instant access to emergency Channel 9. Channel 9 on display will flash to remind you that the function is activated. SoundTrackerTM Switch. Depressing this button turns on the SoundTracker system in your radio. Operation Controls and Indicators Refer to controls, indicators and connectors as illustrated below: 6. 7. 10 9 11 8 7 6 8. 18 WX ST 9. 1 2 3 4 5 10. A. Front Panel 1. Microphone Connector. Allows for convenient removal of the microphone plug when storage is required. The microphone MUST be connected to the unit at all times when in use, for proper operation. Off/On/Volume. Turn clockwise to turn power on and set the desired listening volume. Squelch. This control is used to cut off or eliminate receiver background noise in the absence of an incoming signal. For maximum receiver sensitivity, it is desired that the control be adjusted only to the point where the receiver background noise or ambient background noise is eliminated. Adjust until the receiver noise disappears. This will require the incoming signal to be slightly stronger than average receiver noise. Further clockwise rotation will increase the threshold level which a signal must overcome in order to be heard. Only strong signals will be heard at a maximum clockwise setting. 11. 2. 3. This is a ¥ Automatic Noise Limiter. to reducenon-switchable feature that is always "on" background noise. 3 18.WX.ST.MAN.ORIG. 9/19/97 2:54 PM Page 4 B. Rear Panel Operating Procedure to Receive 1. Antenna Connector. This female connector permits connection of the transmission line cable male connector to the transceiver. 1. Be sure that power cord, antenna and microphone are connected to the proper connectors before proceeding further. The weather switch should be in the "CB" position. Turn the radio ON by rotating the VOLUME CONTROL clockwise. Rotate SQUELCH CONTROL counterclockwise until incoming signal is heard. Select the desired channel. Set VOLUME CONTROL to a comfortable listening level. Engage the SoundTracker system by depressing the button labeled ST. 2. External Speaker. The External Speaker Jack is used for remote receiver monitoring. The external speaker should have 8-ohm impedance and be rated to handle at least 4.0 watts. When the external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker is automatically disconnected. Power: This cable is permanently attached to the radio. If you wish to remove the radio after installation, disconnect at fuse holder and ground connector. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 3. 2 Listen to the background noise from the speaker. Turn the SQUELCH CONTROL slowly clockwise until the noise JUST disappears (no signal should be present). Leave the control at this setting. The squelch is now properly adjusted. The receiver will remain quiet until a signal is actually received. Do not advance the control too far, or some of the weaker signals will not be heard. The revolutionary SoundTracker system allows you to reduce unwanted background noise (static) and increase the signal for better reception. Operating Procedure to Transmit 1. Select the desired channel. 2. The receiver and transmitter are controlled by the press1 3 to-talk switch on the microphone. Press the switch and the transmitter is activated; release switch to receive. When transmitting (on a clear channel), hold the microphone two inches from the mouth and speak clearly in a normal voice. Be sure the antenna is properly connected to the radio before transmitting. Prolonged transmitting without an antenna, or a poorly matched antenna, could cause damage to the transmitter. 4 18.WX.ST.MAN.ORIG. 9/19/97 2:54 PM Page 5 SOUNDTRACKER SYSTEM While previous systems only Òblanked outÓ or limited noise in higher sound frequencies, the revoluti ...