21-1574.fm Page 1 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM Cat. No. 21-1574 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
1-1574.fm Page 2 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM FEATURES Your RadioShack TRC-446 Deluxe 40Channel Mobile CB Radio with Weather Alert is a high performance CB that also lets you tune to 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.
21-1574.fm Page 3 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM Noise Blanking — reduces the noise occasionally generated by nearby electrical motors or automotive ignition systems. CB/WX/PA Switch — lets you quickly select among normal CB operation, weather mode, or public address mode. RX/TX Indicator — shows whether the CB is transmitting or receiving.
21-1574.fm Page 4 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM CONTENTS Installation ............................................................................................................... 5 Mounting the TRC-446 ....................................................................................... 5 Connecting the Microphone ................................................................................ 6 Installing an Antenna ....................................................................................
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21-1574.fm Page 6 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM inside the MIC jack, then fully insert the plug into the jack. 4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, attach the mounting bracket to the mounting surface with the supplied large mounting screw and star lock washers. 2. Secure the plug by turning the plug's locking nut clockwise. 3. Slide the microphone onto the microphone holder. 5. Attach the CB to the mounting bracket using the supplied rubber washers and mounting knobs.
21-1574.fm Page 7 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM INSTALLING AN ANTENNA Caution: To prevent damage to your CB, do not attempt to transmit without an antenna attached. Selecting an Antenna When you decide on an antenna and its location, consider these points: • The antenna should be positioned as high as possible. • The antenna and the antenna cable should be routed as far as possible from any source of electrical noise such as ignition systems, electric gauges, and motors.
21-1574.fm Page 8 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM USING THE CB AS A BASE STATION 3. Plug the single connector end of the power cord into POWER 13.8V DC on the CB's back panel. Although this CB is designed for mobile use, you can also use it as a base station. For base-station installation, you need a regulated 12-volt DC power supply, such as Cat. No. 22-504 available at your local RadioShack store. 4. Connect the black wire to the DC power supply's negative (–) terminal.
21-1574.fm Page 9 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM Public Address Speaker To connect a PA speaker to the CB, use an 8-ohm speaker capable of handling 5 or more watts of power and equipped with an 1/8-inch connector on the cable. Contact your local RadioShack store for a selection of suitable speakers. Plug into PA SP. See “Using the Public Address Function” on Page 14 for operation instructions. ADJUSTING THE STANDING WAVE RATIO Most antennas are factory adjusted.
21-1574.fm Page 10 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM STANDING WAVE RATIO GUIDELINES The ideal standing wave ratio (SWR) is 1:1, or a meter reading of 1 on the SWR meter's top scale. This reading, however, can only be obtained under laboratory conditions. A SWR ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1 is excellent for most mobile CB antenna applications. This chart helps you interpret the different readings you might see. Standing Wave Ratio Performance Ratio Rating Evaluation 1:1 – 1.
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21-1574.fm Page 12 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM OPERATION Before you start using your CB, you should know how to use it effectively and courteously. “CB Operation Tips” on Page 15 contains information that will help you get more enjoyment from using your CB. TURNING ON THE CB AND RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS 1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise. 2. Set CH-9/NOR/CH-19 to NOR, S/RF/ SWR/CAL to S/RF (send and receive), and CB/WX/PA to CB. 3.
21-1574.fm Page 13 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM Changing Channels Using the Controls on the Microphone To tune to the next higher or lower channel, press UP or DOWN on the microphone. To quickly change channels in either direction, hold down UP or DOWN until you reach the desired channel. To prevent accidentally changing the channel with UP or DOWN, press LOCK. Press LOCK again to restore the UP or DOWN operation. TRANSMITTING Note: We recommend you try receiving transmissions before you transmit. 1.
21-1574.fm Page 14 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM To listen to one of the seven available weather channels, set CB/WX/PA to WX, then rotate WEATHER to choose a channel for your listening area. The channel display and the SWR turn off. Readjust OFF/VOLUME if necessary. Note: When the CB radio is set to CB or PA, and you enter a NOAA broadcast area, the state of the WX/ALERT indicates three possible situations: OFF — No weather signal on the selected weather channel. Check another channel.
21-1574.fm Page 15 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM CB OPERATION TIPS Like most activities, CB radio users have customs and courtesies. The following tips will help you get the most enjoyment out of your CB. TYPICAL 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 these “long hauls.
21-1574.fm Page 16 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM USING COMMON 10-CODES Citizen's band operators have largely adopted the following 10-codes for standard questions and answers. These codes permit faster and more precise communication in noisy areas. This table lists codes adopted by the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officers (APCO). Code 16 Meaning 10-1 Your signal is bad. 10-2 Your signal is good. 10-3 Stop transmitting. 10-4 Message received and understood.
21-1574.fm Page 17 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM MAXIMUM RANGE The maximum range and quality of CB transmissions vary depending on the following typical conditions: If you suspect engine noise as a source, turn off the engine and operate the CB with the ignition set to ACC. If most or all of the noise stops, the problem is in vehicle's ignition or electrical system. • The type and quality of antenna used. The following few hints can help you reduce or eliminate such noise.
21-1574.fm Page 18 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM TROUBLESHOOTING If your CB is not working as it should, follow the suggestions below to see if you can eliminate the problem. If the problem persists, take the CB to your local RadioShack store for assistance. Symptom Reception difficulties Check That: OFF/VOLUME is turned on. CB/WX/PA is set to CB OFF/VOLUME is at a sufficient listening level. RF GAIN is set to the correct level. The microphone is securely plugged into MIC.
21-1574.fm Page 19 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your RadioShack TRC-446 Deluxe 40-Channel Mobile CB is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your TRC-446 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. Use and store the CB only in normal temperature environments.
21-1574.fm Page 20 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM REPLACING THE FUSES The TRC-446's 2-amp fuses help protect your CB from power surges and short circuits. • If the red wire's fuse is blown, replace it with a 2-amp, fast-acting glass fuse, such as Cat. No. 2701007. • If the orange wire's fuse is blown, replace it with a 1-amp, fast-acting glass fuse, such as Cat. No. 2701005. Follow these steps to replace each fuse. 1. Make sure the power source and CB are both off. 2.
-1574.fm Page 21 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Channels ................................................................................................. 40 Channels Frequency Range ........................................................... 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz Power Requirements ........................ .. 13.8V DC (12–16 Volts DC, Negative Ground) Dimensions (HWD) ............................................................... ..
21-1574.fm Page 22 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM PUBLIC ADDRESS Output Power ............................................................................ 4.2 Watts (Maximum) Current Drain (at maximum power) .............................................................. 1.2 Amps WEATHER RADIO Frequency Coverage (MHz) ........................................................................... 162.400 162.425 162.450 162.475 162.500 162.525 162.550 Specifications are typical; individual units might vary.
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21-1574.fm Page 24 Thursday, May 13, 1999 4:03 PM 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.
