PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:06 AM Page 1 COVER PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 1 Contents Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Elimination of Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Emergency Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Mobile Station Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Mobile Station Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Marine Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Connection the Power Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Ground Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Negative Ground System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Positive Ground System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 To Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 To Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Function Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Servicing Your Transceiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Two-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Radio Code Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Unpacking Carefully unpack your PC68XL and check the contents against this list: s s s s s s s PC68XL CB 2-way mobile radio Microphone Mounting Bracket Kit DC Power Cord Reference Guide Part 95 Subpart D (FCC Rules) Product Registration Card If any items are missing or damaged, contact your place of purchase immediately. Please be sure to complete and mail your Product Registration card. 1 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 2 Description Your Uniden PC68XL represents the highest quality communications device designed for use in the Citizens Band Radio Service. It will operate on any of the 40 AM frequencies authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Citizens Band Radio Service is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Any adjustments or alterations which would alter the performance of the transceiver's original FCC type acceptance, or which would change the frequency determining method, are strictly prohibited. Replacement or substitution of crystal, transistors, ICs, regulator diodes, or any other part of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommend by Uniden, may cause violations of the technical regulations in Part 95 of the FCC Rules or in violation of type acceptance requirements in Part 2 of the rules. Elimination of Licensing The FCC has ruled that CB Radio Service operators are no longer required to obtain an FCC License to operate their CB equipment. In doing so, the FCC also decided to permit CB station operation without station identification. Elimination of individual station licenses does not reduce the operating privileges or responsibilities of CB users. An operator of a CB radio station is still required to comply with the Communications Act and with the rules of Citizens Band Radio Service. Uniden is a registered trademark of Uniden America Corporation. Features, Specifications, and availability of Optional Accessories are all subject to change without notice. Emergency Operation 1. Set the switch to CH9 or turn Channel Selector knob to Channel 9. 2. Press PTT switch on microphone and speak clearly. 3. If there is no response, select an active channel and ask that party to relay your emergency broadcast on Channel 9. All channels, except Channel 9 may be used for normal communication. Channel 9 is reserved by the FCC for emergency communications involving the immediate safety of individuals or protection of property. Channel 9 may also be used to render assistance to a motorist. This is an FCC rule and applies to all operators of CB radios. 2 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 3 Controls and Functions FRONT VIEW 1. Microphone Jack 2. ON/OFF -VOLUME: Turns radio on or off; adjusts speaker volume. 3. SQUELCH: Reduces background noise when there is no incoming signal. 4. RF GAIN: Improves reception in strong signal areas. 5. MIC GAIN: Adjusts microphone sensitivity. 6. Channel Knob: Selects transmission and reception channels. 7. Channel Display: Displays current channel selection. 8. RX/TX Indicator: Red-transmitting; green-receiving. 9. CH 9 Indicator: Red-Channel 9 switch is on. 10. Dynamic Squelch Control (DSC): Automatically sets Squelch to optimal level for stronger signals. 11. CH9/OFF: Turns Channel 9 on or off. 12. BRT/DIM: Adjusts the brightness of LED Channel Display and Indicator and RF Signal Meter. 13. CB/PA: Selects the PA (Public Address) or CB (Citizens Band). Do not use PA function unless an external speaker is connected. 14. NB/ANL: Reduces external noise and interference from vehicle ignition systems. 15. Function Meter: Measures RF and S signal strength. 3 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 4 REAR VIEW 16. ANT.: Connects antenna cable to transceiver. 17. PA SP: Connects optional external 8-ohm, 4-watt speaker for use as a public address system. To prevent acoustic feedback, separate the microphone from the speaker when operating the PA at high output levels. 18. EXT. SP: Connects an 8-ohm 4-watt speaker to remotely monitor the receiver. When the external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker is off. 19. POWER: Connects DC power to transceiver. All channels, except Channel 9 may be used for normal communication. Channel 9 is reserved by the FCC for emergency communications involving the immediate safety of individuals or protection of property. Channel 9 may also be used to render assistance to a motorist. This is an FCC rule and applies to all CB operators. 4 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 5 Installation MOBILE STATION INSTALLATION Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before beginning installation. 1. Select a location that is convenient for operating the radio, but does not interfere with the driver or passenger. 2. Install bracket with self-tapping screws provided. 3. Connect wiring. (See instructions for Connecting the Power Cords). 4. Attach the microphone bracket to side of the radio. 5. Attach radio to bracket. MOBILE STATION ANTENNA Because the maximum power output of the transmitter is limited by the FCC, the quality of your antenna is very important. To achieve the maximum transmission distance, we strongly recommend that you install only a high quality antenna. You have just purchased a superior transceiver - don't diminish its performance by installing an inferior antenna. Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maximum power transfer from the 50 ohm transmission line to the radiating element. Your Uniden dealer is qualified to help you select the proper antenna for your requirements. A whip style antenna may be used for automobile installation. A short `loaded' whip antenna is easier to install on an automobile. However, the efficiency of the short whip antenna is less than that of a full quarter-wave whip antenna. MARINE INSTALLATION Consult your dealer for information regarding marine installation. It is important to adequately ground the system and to prevent electrolysis between the fittings in the hull and the water. 5 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 6 CONNECTING THE POWER CORDS We recommend connecting the power lead to the Ignition Switch Accessory Terminal. This way, the transceiver is automatically turned off when the ignition switch is turned off. Or, the power cord may be connected to an available terminal on the fuse block, or, to a point in the wiring harness. However, caution must be taken to prevent a short circuit. If in doubt, contact your vehicle dealer for information. GROUND INFORMATION This transceiver may be installed and used in any 12-volt DC negative or positive ground system vehicle. Most newer U.S. and foreign made cars, and small trucks, use a negative ground system. Some older cars, and some new large trucks, use a positive ground system. With a negative ground system, the negative (-) battery terminal is usually connected to the vehicle motor block. If you cannot determine the polarity system of your vehicle, contact your vehicle dealer for information. Negative Ground System If you have a negative ground system, connect the red DC power cord from the transceiver to the positive (+) battery terminal or other convenient point. Then connect the black power cord to the vehicle chassis or negative (-) battery terminal. Positive Ground System If you have a positive ground system, connect the black DC power cord from the transceiver to the negative (-) battery terminal or other convenient point. Then, connect the red power cord to the vehicle chassis or the positive (+) battery terminal. 6 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 7 To Receive Be sure that the power source, antenna, and microphone are properly connected before proceeding. 1. Turn unit ON. VOLUME Control to a comfortable level. 2. Select CHANNEL. 3. Set switch to NB/ANL. Dynamic Squelch Control automatically sets Squelch to the optimal level for stronger transmission and signal clarity. To scan for weaker signals, turn off Dynamic Squelch Control and perform the following steps: 4. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise so only strong signals can get through. 4b. Turn SQUELCH fullY counterclockwise until you hear a hiss. Everything gets through - noise, weak signals, and strong signals. 4c. Turn SQUELCH back clockwise until the hiss stops. Only clearer signals get through. Set SQUELCH only when the radio is not receiving a strong signal. 7 PC68XL.qxd 3/15/99 1:30 PM Page 8 5. Adjust RF GAIN knob (small) to optimize reception in strong signal areas. 6. Adjust MIC GAIN knob (large) to adjust microphone sensitivity. To Transmit Perform a voltage Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) measurement prior to using the transmitter. A SWR ratio in excess of 2:1 may damage the transmitter Be sure to read and understand Part 95, FCC Rules and Regulations before operating your transmitter. 1. Select a channel. 2. Adjust MIC GAIN. 3. When the channel is clear, press the microphone PTT switch and speak. Function Meter RF Meter: Measures RF Output Power for transmitter. Press microphone PTT switch to read transmitting power. S-Meter: Measures incoming signal strength. The meter swings to indicate signal strength. i.e. S 3, S 5, S 7 . . . 8 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 9 Preventive Maintenance Every six months: 1. Check the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). 2. Be sure all electrical connections are tight. 3. Inspect antenna coaxial cable for wear or breaks in shielding. 4. Be sure all screws and mounting hardware are tight. Maintenance The PC68XL is designed to give you years of trouble-free service. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Except for the fuse in the DC power cord, no maintenance is required. To replace a blown fuse: 1. Press ends of the fuse holder together. Twist to open. Carefully separate the two pieces. 2. Remove the fuse and inspect. If blown, replace with the same type fuse. Use only the fuse specified for your PC68XL. Failure to do so may void your warranty. 9 PC68XL.qxd 2/25/99 10:07 AM Page 10 Troubleshooting In the event of system malfunction, perform the following procedures: Problem Unit does not power up Suggestion Check the ignition key position. Check power cord connections. Check fuse. Check vehicle electrical system. Check microphone connection. Set CB/PA switch to CB. Check VOLUME and SQUELCH. Check antenna. Check antenna connection. Set RF GAIN to MAX Check VOLUME and S ...