21-1678.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM Cat. No. 21-1678 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
1-1678.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM FEATURES Your Radio Shack TRC-234 5-Watt 40-Channel CB Walkie-Talkie is a high performance transceiver that also lets you tune into local and national weather service broadcasts. This CB is perfect for recreational, business, or emergency use. You can call other people who have CBs at home, in their vehicles, or at camp sites.
21-1678.fm Page 3 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM High/Low Power Button — lets you save power by selecting a suitable transmitting power for long or short distances. For your records, we recommend you record your CB’s serial number here. The number is located on the CB’s back panel. Serial Number _____________________ FCC INFORMATION The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not require you to have a license to operate this CB. However, you must know Part 95 of FCC Rules.
21-1678.fm Page 4 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM 1. This device must not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. CONTENTS Preparation ........................................................... 6 Connecting Power ........................................... 6 Using Internal Batteries ............................ 6 Using Vehicle Battery Power .................... 8 Using Standard AC Power ................
21-1678.fm Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM PREPARATION CONNECTING POWER You can power your transceiver from any of three sources: • Internal batteries (not supplied) • Vehicle battery power (using an optional DC cigarette lighter power cord) • Standard AC power (using an optional DC power supply) Note: Connecting a DC power cord automatically disconnects internal batteries. Using Internal Batteries You can power your transceiver with nine AA batteries.
21-1678.fm Page 6 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM • Never leave dead, old, or weak nonrechargeable batteries in the transceiver. They can leak chemicals and corrode or damage electronic circuits. • Do not expose batteries to extreme heat or fire. They might explode and cause personal injury or damage equipment. 4. Position the NI/AL switch to match the battery type. • NI: for rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries (see “Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries”). • AL: for standard or alkaline batteries.
21-1678.fm Page 7 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM • If you do not plan to use batteries in the transceiver for a month or more, remove the batteries. This protects the transceiver from possible battery leakage. 6. Replace the cover. When BATT (battery low) appears on the display, replace or recharge the batteries. Using Vehicle Battery Power You can power your transceiver from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket with an optional DC cigarette lighter power cord (such as Cat. No. 270-1534).
21-1678.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM Notes: • If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in the transceiver, connect the DC power cord to the DC13.8V CHARGE jack and be sure the NI/AL switch is set to NI. This powers the transceiver and recharges the batteries at the same time. See “Charging NickelCadmium Batteries.” • If the transceiver does not operate when you use the power cord, unplug the cord from the cigarette lighter socket and clean the socket to remove ashes and debris.
21-1678.fm Page 9 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM Follow these steps to power the transceiver from AC power. 1. Using the double-sided foam tape supplied with the cigarette lighter accessory outlet, mount the accessory outlet to the DC power supply. 2. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the transceiver’s DC13.8V CHARGE jack. Note: If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in the transceiver, connect the power cord to the DC13.8V CHARGE jack and be sure the NI/AL switch is set to NI.
21-1678.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM CHARGING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES The transceiver has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel-cadmium batteries while they are in the transceiver. To charge the batteries, connect a DC power cord to the transceiver’s DC13.8V CHARGE jack and be sure the NI/AL switch is set to NI (see “Using Standard AC Power” or “Using Vehicle Battery Power”). Warning: Do not connect a power cord to the transceiver’s DC13.
21-1678.fm Page 11 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM CONNECTING AN ANTENNA Your transceiver comes with a flexible rubber antenna that is ideal for most applications. However, the transceiver’s BNC antenna connector makes it easy to connect other types of antennas. Your local Radio Shack store sells a wide variety of antennas. Choose the one that best meets your needs. Follow these steps to connect the supplied antenna. illustration 1.
21-1678.fm Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM USING AN EXTERNAL SPEAKER In a noisy area, an external speaker (such as Cat. No. 21-549) positioned in the right place might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into the transceiver’s SPK jack. This disconnects the internal speaker. illustration USING AN EXTERNAL SPEAKER/ MICROPHONE You can use an external speaker/microphone (such as Cat. No. 19-310).
21-1678.fm Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM USING THE WRIST STRAP You can use the supplied wrist strap to keep the transceiver accessible. Hook the strap’s connecting ring to the tab, as shown. Then simply slip the strap over your hand. illustration USING THE BELT CLIP Use the supplied belt clip to make the transceiver easier to take with you. Use the two supplied screws to attach the belt clip to the transceiver. Slide the belt clip over your belt or waistband.
21-1678.fm Page 14 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM OPERATION Before you use your transceiver, you should know how to use it effectively and courteously. “Operational Hints” contains information that will help you get more enjoyment from your transceiver. RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS AND ADJUSTING SQUELCH 1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise. illustration 2. Rotate VOLUME clockwise until it clicks to turn on the power. A channel number appears on the display. illustration 3.
21-1678.fm Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM 4. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable listening level. 5. To cut out background noise between transmissions, wait until there is no signal on the channel, then slowly turn SQUELCH clockwise until the background noise stops. Note: Do not turn SQUELCH too far clockwise because you might cut out weak signals, too. 6. To turn off the transceiver, turn VOLUME counterclockwise until you hear it click.
21-1678.fm Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM 3. If you are transmitting to nearby units, press H/L to set the output power to low output power, if necessary. LOW appears on the display. illustration If the other transceiver is farther away or the receiving person complains of noise, press H/L again to set it to high output power. LOW disappears from the display. 4. To turn off the transceiver, turn VOLUME counterclockwise until you hear it click.
21-1678.fm Page 17 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM LOCKING THE FUNCTIONS Use the KEY LOCK switch to lock the transceiver’s functions (except the talk button and LIGHT) to prevent accidental program changes. Press KEY LOCK so LOCKappears on the display. illustration To release the lock, press KEY LOCK again. LOCK disappears from the display. USING CHANNEL 9 For emergency call monitoring or transmitting on Channel 9, just press CH-9. 9 and EMGappear on the display.
21-1678.fm Page 18 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM LISTENING TO THE WEATHER BAND The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has allocated 11 channels for use by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA broadcasts your local forecast and regional weather information on one or more of these channels in your area. We have preprogrammed your CB with 10 of the U.S frequencies used by NOAA. See “Channel Assignments.
21-1678.fm Page 19 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM OPERATIONAL HINTS Like most activities, CB radio has its customs and courtesies. The following tips will help you get the most enjoyment from your transceiver. COMMON USES FOR A CB Business Uses • Truck drivers and delivery personnel can learn road and traffic conditions and get assistance in locating destinations. A CB is also good company on those “long hauls.
21-1678.fm Page 20 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM 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 minutes before trying again. • Do not hold down the talk button when you are not talking. (This is called dead keying.) • Assist callers with directions, information about road conditions, and any other reasonable requests.
-1678.fm Page 21 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM This table lists codes adopted by the Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO). Code Meaning 10-1 Your signal is bad. 10-2 Your signal is good. 10-3 Stop transmitting. 10-4 Message received and understood. 10-5 Relay information to _____. 10-6 I am busy or are you busy? 10-7 Out of service. 10-8 In service. 10-9 Repeat last message. 10-10 Negative (NO). 10-11 _____ in service. 10-12 Stand by.
21-1678.fm Page 22 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS Your transceiver receives and transmits on the 40 channels listed here. Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz) 1 26.965 21 27.215 2 26.975 22 27.225 3 26.985 23 27.255 4 27.005 24 27.235 5 27.015 25 27.245 6 27.025 26 27.265 7 27.035 27 27.275 8 27.055 28 27.285 9 27.065 29 27.295 10 27.075 30 27.305 11 27.085 31 27.315 12 27.105 32 27.325 13 27.115 33 27.335 14 27.
21-1678.fm Page 23 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM In addition, your transceiver is programmed with the following weather service channels: Channel Frequency (MHz) 01 162.550 02 162.400 03 162.475 04 162.425 05 162.450 06 162.500 07 162.525 08 161.650 09 161.775 00 163.
21-1678.fm Page 24 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your Radio Shack TRC-234 5-Watt 40-Channel CB Walkie-Talkie is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your CB so you can enjoy it for years. • Keep the CB dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. • Use and store the CB only in normal temperature environments.
21-1678.fm Page 25 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM SPECIFICATIONS RECEIVER Frequency Coverage ............ 26.965 to 27.405 MHz Sensitivity....................................... 0.5 mV for 10 dB (S+N)/N Adjacent Channel Rejection ............. 60 dB Squelch .................................. Adjustable from 1 mV Audio Output ............................ 400 mW (10% THD) Current Drain Standby .................................................. 55 mA Receive ................................................
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21-1678.fm Page 28 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY This product is warranted against defects for 90 days from date of purchase from Radio Shack companyowned stores and authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers. Within this period, we will repair it without charge for parts and labor. Simply bring your Radio Shack sales slip as proof of purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty does not cover transportation costs.