75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 2 Operating instructions for your 75 WX ST COMPACT REMOTE MOUNT CB RADIO WITH "Cuts Noise Coming In... Strengthens Signals Going Out" COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION 6500 W. Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 "Ingenious Products for Easier Communication." Printed in Thailand Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1997 Part no. 480-230-P-001 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 4 How to use your INTRODUCTION 75 WX ST CITIZENS BAND RADIO WITH SOUNDTRACKER CONTENTS: Introduction ..........................................3 Features ............................................3 Technical Support and service ..........3 Controls and Indicators ..................4/5 Included with your 75WX ....................6 Installation ............................................7 Connector Box Location....................7 Mounting Connector Box ..............8/9 Microphone Hanger........................10 Antenna ..........................................11 Speakers..........................................12 Noise Interference ..........................12 SoundTracker System ......................13 Operation ............................................13 Turning your CB On ........................14 Selecting a Channel ........................15 Activating SoundTracker ..................16 Testing SoundTracker........................17 Setting the Squelch......................18/19 LCD Readout ..................................20 Operation (continued) Receive / Transmit............................21 One Touch Channel 9 & 19........22/23 Key Lock ..........................................24 Frequency Display ..........................25 All Channel Scan ............................26 Weather Channel ............................27 Channel Saver..................................28 Memory Channels ......................28/29 Dual Watch ................................30/31 If you think you need service ..............32 How your CB can serve you ................33 A few rules you should know ..........33 Weather Channel Messages..............34 Channel 9 Emergency Messages ......35 CB 10 Codes....................................36 Frequency Ranges................................37 Specifications ......................................38 Warranty Information..........................39 Optional Accessories ..........................40 INTRODUCTION 3 The Cobra 75 WX ST is the ultimate in remote mount CB transceivers and features the SoundTracker system which dramatically eliminates annoying static to deliver crisp, clear sound quality. The 75's compact, state-of-theart design provides consistent, outstanding performance in almost all conditions or situations. For ultimate satisfaction and performance from your Cobra 75 WX ST, please review these operating instructions fully, prior to use. FEATURES · SoundTracker System · 40 CB Radio Channels · 10 Weather Channels · One-touch Emergency Channel 9 · One-touch Information Channel 19 · Remote Mount Installation System · Full Featured LCD Display Panel · Squelch Control · Key Lock · Channel Saver Circuitry · Dual Watch Channel Monitor · Full Channel Scan · Four Memory Locations · 10-Foot Flexible Cord · Quick Disconnect TECHNICAL SUPPORT For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked questions about Cobra products. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through this same number 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST. Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to productinfo@cobraelec.com (773) 889-3087 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 6 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS INTRODUCTION 4 4 5 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. SoundTracker Key Memory Key Channel 9 / 19 / Memory Location 1 Key LCD Display Panel Dual Watch / Memory Location 2 Key Scan / Memory Location 3 Key CB / Weather Channel / Memory Location 4 Key On / Off / Volume Control Lock Key Squelch Control Microphone Speaker Channel Up Channel Down PTT (Push-To-Talk) Key Quick Disconnect Connector INTRODUCTION 5 6 7 3 2 8 13 14 15 1 12 10 11 9 16 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 8 COMPONENTS INCLUDED INTRODUCTION 6 LOCATION CONNECTOR BOX LOCATION INSTALLATION 7 Mount your Cobra 75 WX ST Connector Box in a convenient location, away from moisture and direct sunlight, in a location that will not interfere with driving. Cobra suggests mounting it either under the front seat or on the fire wall. UNDER THE FRONT SEAT INSTALLATION 75 WX ST Transceiver Connector Box FIRE WALL INSTALLATION NOTE: Do not mount under the hood, near heat ducts or in direct line of the car's heater. Installation Hardware Operating Manual 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 10 INSTALLATION CONNECTOR BOX INSTALLATION CONNECTOR BOX 8 MOUNTING CONNECTOR BOX 1. Hold Cobra 75 WX ST Connector Box in exact location desired for mounting. 2. Using it as a template, mark the location for the mounting screws (included). NOTE: Make certain that nothing will interfere with the installation of the mounting screws, before drilling holes. 3. Mount Connector Box as shown. 9 CONNECTING WIRES 1. Connect the antenna cable connector. 2. Connect the red wire marked "BATT" (+) directly to the positive side of the battery or to a connection on the fuse box that is always on. 3. Connect the black wire marked "Ground" (-) to the negative side of the car, usually the chassis. Any other location with good electrical contact (paint removed) will also work. CAUTION: Leaving the 75 WX ST on after your car is turned off can drain your car battery when connected to a constant 12 volt source. When connected to accessory 12 volt source unit will turn off. 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 12 INSTALLATION MICROPHONE HANGER INSTALLATION CB ANTENNA 10 INSTALLING MICROPHONE HANGER 1. Hold microphone hanger in location desired for mounting. Make certain that nothing will interfere with the hanger's installation. 2. Mark the location for the three mounting screws (screws included). 11 CB ANTENNA INSTALLATION For the most reliable operation and maximum range, Cobra recommends using a vertically polarized, quarter wave length whip antenna (illustration A). Shorter, loaded-type whips are adequate when maximum range is not required (illustration B). NOTE: Mobile installations (cars, trucks, boats, etc) should be made only with a non-directional antenna system. · A standard antenna connector (Type SO-239) is provided on the Connector Box for easy connection to a standard PL-259 cable termination. A 3. Drill and mount microphone hanger. · Cobra antenna models are recommended; see your local CB dealer or order directly from Cobra. See order form on page 40. · For maximum efficiency in boat installations, a ground plate is required, unless the vessel has a steel hull. Consult your CB dealer for information regarding an adequate grounding system. B 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 14 INSTALLATION 12 SPEAKERS/NOISE INTERFERENCE HOW SOUNDTRACKER WORKS OPERATION 13 EXTERNAL SPEAKER INSTALLATION SOUNDTRACKER SYSTEM While previous systems only "blanked out" or limited noise in higher sound frequencies, the revolutionary new SoundTracker 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. 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 WORKS On Reception ­ "Cuts Noise Coming In" With a normal CB, distant signals fall below the squelch level and are unintelligible. With a SoundTracker CB, the noise level is cut by 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. 1. Mount external speaker in desired location. 2. Plug jack into the back of the Connector Box labled EXT. *The external speaker should have 4-8 ohms impedance and be able to handle at least 4 watts. IGNITION NOISE INTERFERENCE The alternator and ignition system in your vehicle may limit your ability to receive low signal levels. Other noise interference can be the result of several different installation variables. Consult your Cobra dealer or a 2-way radio technician to help locate and correct the source of severe noise interference. On Transmission ­"Strengthens Signals Going Out" A SoundTracker 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. 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 16 OPERATION TURNING CB ON SELECTING A CHANNEL OPERATION 14 TURNING YOUR CB ON 1. Rotate the power ONOFF Volume Control clockwise. 15 SELECTING A CHANNEL 1. Change channels by pressing either the channel v up or channel w down key . 2. Turn the Squelch Control counterclockwise until noise is heard. 2. To quick-advance channels, press and hold either key. 3. Adjust volume to a comfortable level. 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 18 OPERATION 16 ACTIVATING SOUNDTRACKER 1. Depress the SoundTracker key. ACTIVATING SOUNDTRACKER TESTING SOUNDTRACKER OPERATION 17 TESTING SOUNDTRACKER 1. Select any unused channel on your CB. 2. Open the squelch control fully by turning the knob counterclock-wise until it stops. 2. ST will be displayed on the LCD readout. 3. Turn the volume up louder than your normal listening level. 4. Depress the SoundTracker key. Notice the significant reduction in noise. 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 20 OPERATION 18 SETTING THE SQUELCH 1. Turn CB on by turning the volume control clockwise. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level. SETTING THE SQUELCH SETTING THE SQUELCH OPERATION 19 2. Before setting the squelch control on your radio, you must select a channel that is not in use. 5. If you turn the squelch control fully counterclockwise, it lowers the "squelch gate" so low that everything gets through - noise, weak signals and strong signals. 3. Turn on SoundTracker. To achieve the Desired Squelch Setting (DSS): 4. Think of your Squelch Control as a gate for incoming signals. If you turn the Squelch Control fully clockwise, it raises the "squelch gate" so high that no signals get through. 6. To set the "squelch gate" to the DSS-Desired Squelch Setting, turn the squelch control counterclockwise until you hear noise. Then turn the squelch control back clockwise just until the noise stops. Now only strong signals get through. The Desired Squelch Setting, (DSS) only allows actual transmissions to come through. This effectively blocks out unwanted noise. 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 22 OPERATION LCD READOUT OPERATION TRANSMIT/RECEIVE 20 TO RECEIVE 1. Your 75 WX ST is automatically in the receive mode and RX is illuminated. 21 TO TRANSMIT 1. Press the Press-To-Talk (PTT) key. LCD DISPLAY Your Cobra 75 WX ST CB is designed with a liquid crystal display that indicates channel number, frequency and the operating mode. 2 digit channel display / 5 digit frequency display M = Memory Indicator SCAN = Scan Indicator DW = Dual Watch Indicator LOCK = Lock Key Indicator WX = Weather Station RX = Receive Indicator ST = SoundTracker indicator TX = Transmit Indicator 2. The TX icon will appear Signal Strength Meter NOTE: To avoid damaging the LCD display, do not subject your CB radio to extreme temperatures (below -5°F or above 140°F) for extended periods of time. 3. Hold the microphone about 2 inches from your mouth and speak in a normal voice. Memory Channel Number EMG = Emergency Channel 9 F = Function key indicator AM = Amplitude Modulation 4. Release the PTT button and you will automatically be in the receive mode again. 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 24 OPERATION 22 EMERGENCY CHANNEL 9 OR INFORMATION CHANNEL 19 1. To access emergency channel 9, press Channel 9/19 key once. ONE TOUCH CHANNEL 9 AND 19 ONE TOUCH CHANNEL 9 AND 19 OPERATION 23 4. You are now on information channel 19 5. Press 9/19 again to return to the original channel selected. 2. You are now on emergency channel 9 and the EMG icon will appear. 3. To access information channel 19, press Channel 9/19 key again. 6. Original channel 75 WX ST manual 10/9/98 9:24 AM Page 26 OPERATION KEY LOCK FREQUENCY DISPLAY OPERATION 25 24 KEY LOCK 1. Press Key Lock button to prevent unintentional channel changing. 5 DIGIT FREQUENCY DISPLAY 1. Push and hold Memory key for approximately 3 seconds. 2. You are now locked and the LOCK icon will a ...