29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 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 29 WX NW ST Turning On Your CB........................................................................8 Setting Channel Selector.............................................................9 Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)..............................10 To Receive..........................................................................................12 Selecting a Channel.......................................................................13 S-Meter...............................................................................................13 SoundTrackerTM System................................................................14 Activating SoundTrackerTM ..........................................................15 NB-ANL/ANL/Off (Noise Blanker/Automatic.........................16 Noise Limiter Switch) CB/WX Switch...................................................................................17 RF Gain Control................................................................................17 Dimmer Switch................................................................................18 Setting Squelch...............................................................................18 To Transmit........................................................................................20 Setting Dynamike...........................................................................20 Transmit..............................................................................................21 RF Meter.............................................................................................22 External Speaker.............................................................................23 PA (Public Address)........................................................................24 Weather Channels..........................................................................26 Home And Office Set-Up .............................................................28 Temporary Mobile Set-Up ...........................................................29 How Your CB Can Serve You..........................................................30 A Few Rules You Should Know..................................................30 Channel 9 Emergency Messages..............................................30 Weather Channel Messages.......................................................31 CB 10 Codes......................................................................................32 Frequency Ranges.............................................................................34 29 WX NW ST Specifications ........................................................35 Warranty Information .....................................................................36 Optional Accessories .................................................................37-38 Order Form ...........................................................................................39 If You Think You Need Service ...................................Back Cover How to Use Your Cobra 29 WX NW ST Features of This Product · 7 Weather Channels · Emergency Weather Alert · 40 CB Radio Channels · SoundTracker TM System · Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone · Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output · SWR Calibration Meter · Instant Channel 19 and 9 · Front Panel 4-Pin Microphone Connector · Switchable Automatic Noise Limiter & Noise Blanker · Adjustable Dynamike Boost · Tactile Controls · 9 Ft Mic Cord · Illuminated Front Panel · Dimmer Control · RF Gain 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 29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 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 two 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 29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 PM Page 4 Installation Installation 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. 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 When connected to an accessory fuse, unit will self test the emergency weather alert automatically when ignition is turned on. Turns itself on & off. 4 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 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 29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 PM Page 6 Antennas CB Antenna CB Antenna 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 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 29 WX 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 is critical in affecting transmission distance. Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maxiNote mum power output. Cobra loaded type antenna For optimum performance in models are highly recommended for most instalpassenger cars the ideal anten- lations. For models with Weather Feature (WX), a na location is on the center of Dual Band (Center Load/Base Load) antenna is the roof. Second choice is on the recommended. Consult your Cobra dealer for furcenter of the trunk. ther details, or call 773.889.3087 and speak to a Cobra representative. Note 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 the 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 29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 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 29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 PM Page 10 Operation Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) Calibrate for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) SWR calibration is done to properly adjust the length of the antenna and to monitor the quality of the coaxial cable and all RF connections. This calibration is critical in order to achieve optimum performance. Note Operation 3 Push and hold mic button. Calibration must be made in an open area (never in a garage). Vehicle doors must be closed. No one should be standing near the antenna.(See your antenna directions for more complete information). Note The reading will be slightly higher on Channels 1 and 40 compared to Channel 20. 1 Select channel 20. 4 2 Switch to the CAL position. While holding mic button adjust the SWR CAL knob so the meter needle swings to the CAL w mark on the meter (located on the right). continued 10 11 29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 PM Page 12 Operation Selecting A Channel Operation Selecting A Channel Note Note When switched to SWR position the meter needle should ideally be as far to the left as possible. Anything over 3 is not acceptable. A slight antenna height adjustment (higher or lower) may be required. Repeat recalibration steps. Switch to 9 (Emergency) or 19 (Information) for instant access to these channels. 5 While still holding down the mic button,set the S/RF SWR CAL switch to the SWR position, to read the SWR reading. Repeat the same steps two through five on Channel 1 and 40. This will check SWR for all channels. 1 Switch to NOR to select desired channel. 6 S-Meter Swings proportionately to strength of incoming signal when receiving. S-Meter To Receive To Receive 1 1 Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise the green RT/TX LED will be illuminated. The S/RF-SWR-CAL switch must be in the S/RF position to read the meter. 12 13 29 WX NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 2:53 PM Page 14 Operation 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 Activating SoundTrackerTM Activating SoundTrackerTM Note SoundTrackerTM gives you clearer, cleaner reception to improve CB communications while on the air. Sound clarity is measured by the ratio of the signal level to the noise level. The higher the signal-to-noise rati ...