21-1588.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM Cat. No. 21-1588 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
1-1588.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM FEATURES Your RadioShack TRC-401 Emergency CB Radio is a 40-channel citizen’s band radio that is specially designed for emergency situations. It contains a CB, an antenna, and a power cord — all in a handy, impactresistant carrying case that lets you store all of the equipment safely out of the way and easily move it from one vehicle to another. Digital Channel-Number Display — makes it easy to see which channel is selected.
21-1588.fm Page 3 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM 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 can be made only by authorized service personnel.
21-1588.fm Page 4 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM CONTENTS Preparation ..................................................................................................... 5 Attaching the Antenna ............................................................................... 5 Connecting Power ..................................................................................... 6 Operation ........................................................................................................
21-1588.fm Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM PREPARATION ATTACHING THE ANTENNA The supplied magnet-mount antenna is designed for use only in emergency or low speed, short-driving situations. If you want to use the CB while driving your vehicle at highway speeds, on long-distance trips, or during periods of high, gusty winds or heavy turbulence, you need an optional standard-mount antenna (available at your local RadioShack store).
21-1588.fm Page 6 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM To remove the antenna from your vehicle, grasp the base and then firmly “peel” it up and off the vehicle’s surface. Caution: Never slide the antenna’s magnetic base across your vehicle’s painted surface. Dust and dirt particles might scratch your vehicle’s finish. CONNECTING POWER Follow these steps to power the CB from your vehicle’s battery. 1. Plug the barrel plug of the supplied power cord into DC 12V on the bottom of the CB. 2.
21-1588.fm Page 7 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM OPERATION Before you start using your CB, we recommend you read “CB Operation Tips” on Page 8 which contains information that will help you use your CB effectively and courteously. Note: Before you operate the CB, be sure it is connected to power and an antenna. 3. To transmit, hold the CB 2–3 inches from your mouth, hold down PUSH TO TALK, and speak directly into MIC (the built-in microphone). The TX (transmit) indicator lights.
21-1588.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM CB OPERATION TIPS Like most activities, CB radio use has its customs and courtesies. Although this CB radio is designed for emergency use, it does work on all 40 CB channels and can be used for more than just emergencies. The following tips will help you get the most benefit and satisfaction from your CB. CB COURTESY • Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission before you ask for a break.
21-1588.fm Page 9 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM USING COMMON 10CODES Code Meaning 10-13 Report ___________ conditions. 10-14 Information. 10-15 Message delivered. 10-16 Reply to message. 10-17 En route. 10-18 Urgent. 10-19 Contact __________. Meaning 10-20 My location is _______. 10-1 Cannot understand your message. 10-21 Call ____ by telephone. 10-22 Cancel last message. 10-2 Your signal is good. 10-23 Arrived at the scene. 10-3 Stop transmitting.
21-1588.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM COMMON USES FOR A CB RADIO 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.” • On construction crews, a CB quickly pays for itself when you are calling for additional materials or coordinating the activities of different work crews.
21-1588.fm Page 11 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM TROUBLESHOOTING With proper care and handling, your CB should give you years of trouble-free service. However, if your CB is not working properly, follow these suggestions to see if you can eliminate the problem. If you still have a problem, take the CB to your local RadioShack store for assistance. Problem Not transmitting well. Suggestion Fully press PUSH TO TALK. Secure the antenna connection. Fully extend the antenna. Not receiving well.
21-1588.fm Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM REDUCING NOISE Because your CB is exceptionally quiet, any noise you hear is probably from an external source in your vehicle — the ignition, another radio, spark plugs, and so forth. You can determine the source of the noise by turning off the engine and operating the CB with the ignition set to ACC. If most or all of the noise goes away, the problem is in your vehicle’s ignition or electrical system.
21-1588.fm Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your TRC-401 Emergency CB Radio is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your TRC-401 so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the TRC-401 dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Handle the TRC-401 gently and carefully.
21-1588.fm Page 14 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM REPLACING THE POWER CORD’S FUSE The power cord’s 2-amp fuse helps protect your CB from power surges and short circuits. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a 2-amp, 250-volt, fast-acting fuse (Cat. No. 270-1052). Follow these steps to replace the fuse. 1. Unplug the power cord from the vehicle’s cigarette lighter and the CB. 2. To open the cigarette-lighter plug and remove the fuse, turn the cap counterclockwise and remove it.
21-1588.fm Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM SPECIFICATIONS Receiver Frequency Coverage .............................. 26.965–27.405 MHz (all 40 channels) Sensitivity (Maximum) ................................................ 0.5 µV for 10 dB (S+N)/N Adjacent Channel Rejection (EIA-204)....................................................... 45 dB Squelch Sensitivity ............................................................................. 0.25–1 µV Audio Output .................................
21-1588.fm Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM Limited Ninety-Day Warranty This 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 companyowned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.