21-1701.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM Cat. No. 21-1701 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
1-1701.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM INTRODUCTION Your RadioShack TRC-501 40Channel 2-Way CB Radio is a high performance CB with the maximum legally allowable power and innovative styling. Automatic Noise Limiting (ANL) Circuit — reduces noise caused by nearby electrical equipment such as motors or automotive ignition systems. 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.
21-1701.fm Page 3 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM FCC INFORMATION The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not require you to have a license to operate this CB. However, the FCC does require you to read and know Part 95 of FCC Rules. These rules apply to the operation of a Class D CB. We have provided a copy of these regulations with your CB. Warning: Do not open your CB to make any internal adjustments. Internal adjustments must be made only by authorized service personnel.
21-1701.fm Page 4 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM CONTENTS Installation ........................................................................................................5 Mounting the Microphone Holder ................................................................5 Connecting the Microphone ........................................................................5 Mounting the TRC-501 ................................................................................ 5 Connecting an Antenna ........
21-1701.fm Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM INSTALLATION MOUNTING THE MICROPHONE HOLDER Using a Phillips screwdriver and the supplied small screws and small metal washers, attach the supplied microphone holder horizontally or vertically to either side of the CB. (il- Caution: Never pull on the microphone cable. MOUNTING THE TRC-501 The most common mounting location for this CB is under a vehicle’s dashboard.
21-1701.fm Page 6 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM Follow these steps to mount the CB using the supplied hardware. 1. Using the mounting bracket as a template, mark the positions for the three screw holes. 4. Attach the CB to the mounting bracket using the rubber washers and mounting knobs. (il(il- 2. In each marked location, drill a hole slightly smaller than the supplied large screws. Caution: Be careful not to drill into anything behind the mounting surface. 3.
21-1701.fm Page 7 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of CB antennas (for both mobile and base-station use), coaxial antenna cable, and connectors. Connecting the Antenna Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with it. Warning: Use extreme caution when you install or remove a base station CB antenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines.
21-1701.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM CONNECTING POWER You can power this CB from your vehicle’s battery or from standard AC power with an optional DC power supply (such as Cat. No. 22-120). Using Vehicle Battery Power Using the CB as a Base Station Caution: Most 12-volt DC power supplies plug into a standard AC outlet to produce DC power. Before connecting your CB to a 12-volt DC power supply, read and follow the instructions provided with the power supply. (il(il- 1.
21-1701.fm Page 9 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM OPERATION Before you start using your CB, you should know how to use it effectively and courteously. “CB Operation Tips” on Page 10 has information that will help you use and enjoy your CB. RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS AND ADJUSTING SQUELCH Caution: Do not attempt to use your CB without first connecting an antenna to it. 1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise.
21-1701.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM TRANSMITTING CB OPERATION TIPS We recommend you try receiving transmissions before you transmit. Like most activities, CB radio has its customs and courtesies. The following tips will help you get the most enjoyment from your CB. 1. Follow Steps 1–5 under “Receiving Transmissions and Adjusting Squelch.” 2. Hold the microphone 2 or 3 inches from your mouth.
21-1701.fm Page 11 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM • Contact friends or neighbors — find out “what’s happening” or plan a get-together. • Ever have car trouble or run out of gas on the highway? What an assurance it is to be able to radio for assistance! • Camping, fishing, and other sports are more fun with a CB. Locate a buddy or find out “what’s cooking” back at camp. CB Courtesy • Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission before you ask for a break.
21-1701.fm Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM Using Common 10-Codes Citizen’s band operators have largely adopted the 10-codes for standard questions and answers. These codes permit faster communication and better intelligibility in noisy areas. Code Meaning 10-14 Information. 10-15 Message delivered. 10-16 Reply to message. 10-17 En route. 10-18 Urgent. 10-19 Contact ____________. 10-20 What is your location? 10-21 Call ___________ by telephone. Cannot understand your message.
21-1701.fm Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM TROUBLESHOOTING If your CB is not working as it should, follow the suggestions below to see if you can eliminate the problem. If you cannot, take the CB to your local RadioShack store for assistance. Symptom: Trouble with reception Check That: • The CB is turned on. • VOLUME is turned up. • SQUELCH is adjusted properly. • The microphone is securely connected to the CB. • The antenna cable is securely connected to both the antenna and the CB.
21-1701.fm Page 14 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM REDUCING NOISE Here are a few hints to help you reduce or eliminate such noise: The Automatic Noise Limiting (ANL) circuit helps keep background noise to a minimum. However, strong sources of electrical noise (such as your vehicle’s ignition, another radio, or spark plugs) might be more than the circuit can compensate for. • Replace old ignition wires with new, high-voltage, noise-suppression wires.
21-1701.fm Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM MAINTENANCE Your TRC-501 40-Channel 2-Way CB Radio 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 might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Handle the CB gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases and can cause the CB to work improperly.
21-1701.fm Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM REPLACING THE FUSE The TRC-501’s 2-amp and 1-amp fuses help protect your CB from power surges and short circuits. • If the black wire’s fuse is blown, replace it with a 2-amp, fast-acting glass fuse (Cat. No. 2701007). • If the orange wire’s fuse is blown, replace it with a 1-amp, fast-acting glass fuse (Cat. No. 270-1005). Follow these steps to check and replace each fuse, if necessary. (il- 1. Make sure the power source and CB are both turned off. 2.
21-1701.fm Page 17 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM SPECIFICATIONS RECEIVER Frequency Coverage............................................ All 40 CB Channels (Class D) 26.965 to 27.405 MHz Sensitivity ..................................................... 0.7 µV or better for 10 dB (S+N)/N Adjacent Channel Rejection ........................................................................55 dB Audio Output .........................................................................
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21-1701.fm Page 20 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:50 PM RadioShack Limited Warranty This product is warranted against defects for 90 days from date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. Within this period, we will repair it without charge for parts and labor. Simply bring your RadioShack sales slip as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. Warranty does not cover transportation costs.