Radio Shack 2101679A Handheld CB Radio with Weather Alert User Manual Users manual

RadioShack Corporation Handheld CB Radio with Weather Alert Users manual

Contents

Users manual

21-1679 APlease read this user’s guide before installing, setting up and using your new CB radio.www.radioshack.comThank you for purchasing your Weather Alert Handheld CB Radio from RadioShack.What’s IncludedCB RadioNi-MH Battery PackAA Battery CaseAC ChargerAntennaHand StrapBelt ClipUser’s GuideFCC RulesWeather AlertHandheld CB RADIO21-1679A_En_111207.indd 1 11/12/2007 17:32:48
2ContentsA Look at Your CB Radio ........................................................3Powering Your CB Radio ........................................................4Using the Ni-MH Battery Pack ...............................................4Recycle Rechargeable Batteries ....................................... 5Using the AA Battery Case ....................................................5Using AC Power ....................................................................6Using Vehicle Power ..............................................................7Connecting Your CB Radio .....................................................8Installing the Antenna ...........................................................8Installing an Optional Antenna .............................................8Connecting an External Speaker or Microphone ..................8Operating Your CB Radio .......................................................9Receiving ...............................................................................9Transmitting ...........................................................................9Safety Precaution ........................................................... 10Settings ...............................................................................10High/Low Power Level ................................................... 10Backlight ........................................................................ 10Key Tone ........................................................................ 10Key Lock ........................................................................ 11Power Save .................................................................... 11Scanning Channels ..............................................................11Using Channels 9 and 19 ....................................................11Listening to the Weather Band ...........................................12Listening to a Weather Channel .................................... 12Turning Digital Weather Alert On and Off ..................... 12Understanding Digital Weather Alert ............................ 13Additional Information .........................................................14Legal Use of Your CB Radio ................................................14Common Uses for a CB Radio .............................................14Transmission Courtesy .........................................................14Transmission Range .............................................................14Common 10-Codes .............................................................15Frequency Range ................................................................16Specications .......................................................................17Care .....................................................................................17RF Emissions Information .....................................................18Do Stuff ...............................................................................19Limited 90-Day Warranty .....................................................2021-1679A_En_111207.indd 2 11/12/2007 17:32:48
3A Look at Your CB RadioOFF/VOLUMESQUELCHAntennaChannel Selection Buttons ▲/▼PTT (Push to Talk)CH9/19 SCANCB/WXLOCK/ALERT OFFLIGHTInternal SpeakerH/L BEEPAttaching the Belt ClipTo attach the belt clip, slide it up until it locks into place. To remove the belt clip, pull the tab and slide the belt clip down. TabHand Strap HoleBelt ClipInternal Microphone21-1679A_En_111207.indd 3 11/12/2007 17:32:50
4Powering Your CB RadioYou can power your CB radio from one of these four sources:• The rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack• Eight AA batteries (not included) using the supplied battery case• AC power using an AC-to-DC power supply (not included)• Vehicle power using a DC power cord (not included)Using the Ni-MH Battery PackCharge the Ni-MH battery pack (using the supplied AC charger) for about 18 hours prior to using it for the rst time. Afterward, it takes 14-16 hours to charge the battery pack when it is fully discharged. You can charge the battery pack while it is installed or removed. But the CB radio does not work during charging.To charge the battery pack:Connect the AC Charger to the CHG Jack, then plug it into an AC outlet. The CHARGE Indicator lights red and charging starts.Note: The supplied AC charger is for charging only, not for directly powering the CB.To install the battery pack:Slide the battery pack onto the CB radio until it clicks. The battery pack ts onto the CB radio only one way. Do not force it.To remove the battery pack, slide the battery pack in the arrow direction while holding up the latch.Cautions:• To avoid injury, do not connect LatchCHG JackCHARGE IndicatorSlide to remove battery pack21-1679A_En_111207.indd 4 11/12/2007 17:32:51
5the AC charger to a ceiling outlet. After charging, disconnect the AC charger.• You must use a Class 2 power supply that provides 16V DC and delivers at least 200mA. The barrel plug’s center must be positive and the barrel plug must t the CB’s CHG jack. The supplied AC charger meets these specications. Using an adapter that does not meet these specications could damage the CB radio or adapter.• Always connect the AC charger to the battery pack before you connect it to an AC outlet, and disconnect the AC charger from the AC outlet before you disconnect it from the battery pack.• Overcharging your battery pack could shorten its life.• Do not charge your battery pack at temperatures below 14°F (–10°C) or above 131°F (55°C).• You cannot recharge the Ni-MH battery pack using DC power.Recycle Rechargeable BatteriesPlacing rechargeable batteries into the trash or the municipal waste system can be harmful to the environment and may be illegal in your area. RadioShack participates in an industry program to collect and recycle rechargeable batteries at the end of their useful life. You can return your rechargeable batteries to your local RadioShack store for recycling (at no cost to you). Or call 1-800-THE-SHACK (1-800-843-7422) for information on rechargeable battery recycling in your area. RadioShack’s involvement in this program is part of the company’s commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.Using the AA Battery Case1. Turn off the CB radio if it is on.2. Pull the halves of the case apart to open it. Insert eight AA batteries, matching 21-1679A_En_111207.indd 5 11/12/2007 17:32:52
6the polarity marks (+ and –). Snap the halves of the case together to close it.3. Slide the battery case onto the CB radio until it clicks. The battery case ts onto the CB radio only one way. Do not force it.Replace the batteries when the sound becomes weak or distorted, ; appears, or the CB radio stops working.Battery Notes:• Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury batteries.• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type.• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.• If you do not plan to use the CB radio with batteries for two weeks or longer, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.Using AC PowerTo power your CB radio from your home, you will need a 12V DC power supply that provides a minimum of 2.5A at 12V and a DC power cord (neither included).1. Turn off the CB radio if it is on.2. Use the DC power cord to connect the CB’s 12V DC PWR Jack and the DC power supply.3. Connect the DC power supply to an AC outlet.4. Turn on the CB radio to use.Cautions:• You must use a Class 2 power supply that provides regulated 13.8V DC and delivers at least 2.5A. The barrel plug’s center must be positive and the barrel plug must t the CB’s 12V 12V DC PWR Jack21-1679A_En_111207.indd 6 11/12/2007 17:32:53
7DC PWR jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specications could damage the CB radio or adapter.• Always connect the power supply to the CB radio before you connect it to an AC outlet, and disconnect the power supply from the AC outlet before you disconnect it from the CB radio.Using Vehicle PowerTo power your CB radio from your vehicle, you will need a DC power cord (not included). You may also need a roof-mounted antenna to improve transmission quality and increase the transmission range.1. Turn off the CB radio if it is on.2. Use the DC power cord to connect the CB’s 12V DC PWR jack and the vehicle’s 12V power source, such as the cigarette-lighter socket.3. Turn on the CB radio to use.Cautions:• You must use a Class 2 power supply that provides regulated 12V DC and delivers at least 2.5A. The barrel plug’s center must be positive and the barrel plug must t the CB radio’s 12V DC PWR jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specications could damage the CB radio or adapter.• Always connect the power supply to the CB radio before you connect it to the vehicle outlet, and disconnect the power supply from the outlet before you disconnect it from the CB radio.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 7 11/12/2007 17:32:53
8Connecting Your CB RadioInstalling the AntennaTo install the supplied antenna, align the two slots on the antenna connector with the tabs on the BNC connector of the CB radio. Push the antenna connector to the CB radio and rotate the antenna connector clockwise until it locks into place.Installing an Optional AntennaThe CB’s BNC connector allows you to use a variety of optional antennas, including external mobile antennas and outdoor base station antennas.Always use the 50-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8 coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna is over 50 feet from the CB radio, use the RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable.Safety Precaution:If an outside antenna is installed, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. When installing the antenna, be careful not to touch overhead power lines as contact with them might be fatal.Connecting an External Speaker or MicrophoneConnect an external speaker (not included) to the SPK jack of your CB radio. This mutes the CB’s internal speaker.Connect an external microphone (not included) to the MIC jack of your CB radio. This disables the CB’s internal microphone.MICSPK21-1679A_En_111207.indd 8 11/12/2007 17:32:55
9Operating Your CB RadioReceiving1. Turn SQUELCH fully anticlockwise.2. Turn on the CB radio. A channel number and the signal meter appear. If necessary, press CB/WX so that a channel number and the signal meter appear.3. Press ▲ or ▼ to select the desired channel.4. Adjust OFF/VOLUME to the desired volume level.5. Slowly turn SQUELCH back clockwise just until the noise stops. Note: Do not turn SQUELCH too far clockwise because you might cut out weak signals.RX below the signal meter indicates the CB radio is ready to receive transmissions.TransmittingTest receiving transmissions on your CB Radio before trying to transmit a message.To transmit a message:1. Press and hold PTT. TX appears below the signal meter and the signal meter shows the output level. Hold the CB radio 2–3 inches from your mouth and speak in a normal voice to the internal microphone.2. When you nish speaking, release PTT.Notes:• If you transmit a message while the CB radio is displaying a weather alert (see Understanding Digital Weather Alert), the alert tone stops and WX displays steadily. To stop the alert tone without transmitting a message, press LOCK/ALERT OFF.• To avoid overheating the internal circuit, do not press and hold PTT nonstop for over two minutes.Signal MeterChannel Number21-1679A_En_111207.indd 9 11/12/2007 17:32:55
10Safety PrecautionYour wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pushed it sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. The device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%. In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for hand-held wireless devices.To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines hold the transmitter and antenna at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away from the face. If you wear the handset on your body while using the headset accessory, use only the supplied belt clip for this product and when transmitting, take it out of the belt to ensure that the antenna is at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your body.SettingsHigh/Low Power LevelPress H/L BEEP to switch between low power level (LOW appears) and high power level.Note: Low power level reduces the range of the CB radio.BacklightPress LIGHT to turn on the backlight; press again to turn off. The backlight turns off automatically after 10 seconds.Key ToneTo activate the key tone, press and hold H/L BEEP for 2 seconds. ♪ appears. The CB radio sounds a beep when you press any key except PTT.To disable the key tone, press and hold H/L BEEP for 2 seconds again so that ♪ disappears.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 10 11/12/2007 17:32:56
11Key LockTo activate key lock, press and hold LOCK for 2 seconds. 6appears. This locks all keys except PTT and LIGHT. To unlock key control, press and hold LOCK for 2 seconds again.Power SaveIf you do not press any key or if the CB radio does not receive any signal for about 10 seconds, the CB radio automatically enters power save mode. P. SAVE ashes.Scanning Channels1. Press CB/WX to select the CB or weather mode. 2. Press and hold CH9/19 SCAN for 2 seconds. SCAN appears, and the CB radio scans through all channels in the selected band. When it receives a strong signal, scanning stops.3. To deactivate scanning, press and hold CH9/19 SCAN for 2 seconds or press the ▲ or ▼ key.Notes: • When you turn on the CB radio for the rst time, the scan feature is automatically set to on in the weather band.• To change weather channels manually, press the ▲ or ▼ key.Using Channels 9 and 19Channel 9 is reserved for motorist assistance and for reporting emergency information about accidents, hazardous road conditions, etc. Channel 19 is used by truck drivers for general communication purposes.Press CH9/19 SCAN once to select channel 9, press again to select channel 19, press again to return to the previously selected channel.Notes: • When you select channel 9 or 19, you cannot press ▲ or ▼ to change channels.• Always give priority to emergency messages on channel 9.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 11 11/12/2007 17:32:57
12Listening to the Weather BandThe FCC has allocated channels for use by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Regulatory agencies in other countries have also allocated channels for use by their weather reporting authorities.NOAA and your local weather reporting authority broadcast your local forecast and regional weather information on one or more of these channels.Listening to a Weather ChannelPress CB/WX to select weather mode. WX appears. The CB radio scans through the weather channels and then stops on the strongest channel. Press CB/WX again to return to CB mode.Note: You cannot adjust the power level or switch to channel 9 or 19 while listening to a weather channel.Turning Digital Weather Alert On and Off• Digital weather alert automatically scans in the background when you select the CB mode, unless you turn it off.• Press LOCK/ALERT OFF to turn digital weather alert on and off. In CB mode, WX displays as described below.WX Appearance Weather Alert Weather SignalWX not present Not on Not scanning for signalWX flashes On No signal foundWX displays steadily On Signal found and locked inWX displays steadily for 2 seconds and then flashes twiceOn Signal found; scanning for signalWeather Channel21-1679A_En_111207.indd 12 11/12/2007 17:32:57
13Understanding Digital Weather AlertThe weather service precedes each weather alert with a digitally-encoded SAME (Specic Area Message Encoding) signal, then a 1050 Hz tone. When your local weather station broadcasts a weather alert signal, the CB radio sounds an alert tone and displays a message showing the alert level.SAME Event Code Alert Tone MessageA (Watch) Watch alert 10 seconds WCH (Watch)W (Warning) TOR (Tornado) SVR (Severe)Warning alert 10 seconds WRN (Warning)S (Statement) RWT (Test) Statement alert 10 seconds ADV (Advisory)Notes:• The CB radio does not display the actual location referenced by SAME messages. It uses only the message portion of the SAME signal.• If severe weather threatens, do not wait for an alert tone; tune to the weather broadcast and monitor the weather information.• If a weather signal ends, the CB radio beeps three times (when the key tone is turned on) and only when the weather signal ends the rst time, then WX ashes to indicate there is no signal.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 13 11/12/2007 17:32:57
14Additional InformationLegal Use of Your CB RadioThe CB Radio service is a private, two-way, short-distance voice communications service for personal or business activities. For rules regarding legal CB radio use, see the included Plain English Rules – Citizens Band Radio Service published by the FCC.Common Uses for a CB Radio• Warn of trafc tie-ups ahead.• Help truck drivers and delivery personnel learn road and trafc conditions and get assistance in locating destinations.• Provide fast help in the event of emergency or breakdown.• Help construction crews coordinate the activities of different work crews.• Assist communication between security ofcers.• Provide weather and road information.• Contact friends or other CB users on trips.• Keep in touch with your ofce or home.• Bring more fun for camping, shing, and other sports; help locate a friend or nd out what’s cooking back at camp.Transmission Courtesy• Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission before you ask for a break.• If you do not receive an answer to your call after a second attempt, sign off and wait several seconds before trying again.• Do not hold down PTT when you are not talking. (This is called dead keying.)• Assist callers with directions, information about road conditions, and any other reasonable requests.Transmission RangeThe maximum range and quality of CB transmissions vary depending on the following conditions:21-1679A_En_111207.indd 14 11/12/2007 17:32:58
15• Type and quality of the antenna.• Height of the antenna’s mounting location (the higher the antenna, the better the signal’s range).• Surrounding terrain (mountains and tall buildings limit the range).• Weather conditions.• Number of nearby CBs operating on the same channel.Note: Your CB radio’s transmission range is generally line-of-sight. To ensure maximum range, always keep the battery pack fully charged or use fresh batteries.Common 10-CodesCitizens Band radio operators have largely adopted the 10-codes for standard questions and answers. These codes permit faster communication and better understanding in noisy areas. The following table lists some of the more common codes and their meanings:Code Meaning Code Meaning10-1 Receiving poorly 10-22 Report in person to____10-2 Receiving well 10-23 Stand by10-3 Stop transmitting 10-25 Can you contact____10-4 OK, message received 10-26 Disregard last information10-5 Relay message 10-27 I am moving to channel10-6 Busy, stand by 10-28 Identify your station10-7 Out of service 10-32 I will give you a radio check10-8 In service 10-33 Emergency trafc10-9 Repeat message 10-36 Correct time is____10-10 Transmission completed, standing by 10-37 Wrecker needed at____10-11 Talking too rapidly 10-38 Ambulance needed at____10-12 Visitors present 10-41 Please turn to channel____10-13 Advise Weather/Road conditions 10-42 Trafc accident at____10-17 Urgent business 10-43 Trafc tie-up at____10-18 Anything for us? 10-50 Break channel10-19 Nothing for you. Return to base 10-62 Unable to copy; use telephone10-20 My location is____ 10-70 Fire at____10-21 Call by telephone21-1679A_En_111207.indd 15 11/12/2007 17:32:58
16Note: Although this table lists the meanings of the 10-codes in the form of a statement, they can also be phrased as questions (10-6: Are you busy? 10-20: What is your location?)Frequency RangeYour CB radio receives and transmits on the following 40 CB channels:Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)1 26.965 15 27.135 28 27.2852 26.975 16 27.155 29 27.2953 26.985 17 27.165 30 27.3054 27.005 18 27.175 31 27.3155 27.015 19 27.185 32 27.3256 27.025 20 27.205 33 27.3357 27.035 21 27.215 34 27.3458 27.055 22 27.225 35 27.3559 27.065 23 27.255 36 27.36510 27.075 24 27.235 37 27.37511 27.085 25 27.245 38 27.38512 27.105 26 27.265 39 27.39513 27.115 27 27.275 40 27.40514 27.125In addition, your CB radio can receive these weather service channels:Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)1 162.400 4 162.475 7 162.5502 162.425 5 162.5003 162.450 6 162.52521-1679A_En_111207.indd 16 11/12/2007 17:32:58
17SpecificationsReceiverFrequency Coverage ........ 26.965~27.405 MHz, 162.400~162.550 MHz Sensitivity ...........................................................................1 µV for 10 dBAdjacent Channel Rejection ((S+N)/N) ........................................... 60 dBSquelch ................................................................ Adjustable from 0.5 µVAudio Output Power (10% THD) ................................................ 400 mWCurrent Drain ............................. 80 mA (Standby); 400 mA (Max. Audio)TransmitterFrequency Coverage ............................................... 26.965~27.405 MHz Power Output ........................................................ 3 W (High); 1 W (Low)Conducted Spurious Emission Harmonics ..................................... 60 dBType of Modulation ............................................................................. A3 Frequency Tolerance ....................................................................0.002%Antenna Impedance ......................................................................... 50 Ω Current Drain (@ Max. Modulation) ...............1.3 A (High); 700 mA (Low)Dimensions (H×W×D) .......... 7.4 × 2.6 × 1.8 inch (186 × 65 × 47 mm)Weight (including battery pack & antenna) ...................... 18.3 oz (520 g)Specications are subject to change and improvement without notice. Actual product may vary from the images found in this document.CareKeep the CB radio dry; if it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Use and store the CB radio only normal temperature environments. Handle the CB radio carefully; do not drop it. Keep the CB radio away from dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.Modifying or tampering with the CB radio’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and avoid your FCC authorization to operate it. If your CB radio is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 17 11/12/2007 17:32:58
18RF Emissions InformationThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult your local RadioShack store or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using your product. Changes or modications not expressly approved by RadioShack may cause interference and void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.Warnings:• Any adjustment to this equipment is recommended to be performed by or under the immediate supervision and responsibility of a person certied as technically qualied to perform transmitter maintenance and repair duties in the private land mobile services and xed services by an organization or committee representative of users of those services.• Replacement of any transmitter component (crystal, semiconductor, etc.) for this equipment could result in violation of FCC rules.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 18 11/12/2007 17:32:58
19Do StuffDo more with your CB radio.DC Power Cord• Power up in your car.13.8VDC 3-Amp Power Supply• Power up in your home.25-watt, 39” Whip, Magnetic-mount Mobile CB Antenna• Receive more, and • Transmit farther in your car.7.5-Watt Amplied Mobile Extension Speaker• Amplify over loud noises.5-Watt Heavy-duty Extension Speaker• Amplify at home or in the car.Mini Extension Speaker • Clip it to your visor.• Set it on your dash.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 19 11/12/2007 17:32:59
©2007. RadioShack Corporation. All rights reserved. RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.11A07 21-1679AAO0300AAA1 Printed in ChinaLimited 90-Day WarrantyThis product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. For complete warranty details and exclusions, check with your local RadioShack store.RadioShack Customer Relations 300 RadioShack Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76102 04/04Protect the environment by recycling used electronics. Go to www.ecyclingcentral.com to nd a recycle location near you.21-1679A_En_111207.indd 20 11/12/2007 17:32:59

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