21-1589.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM Cat. No. 21-1589 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
1-1589.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM Cat. No. 21-1589 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
21-1589.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM INTRODUCTION Your Radio Shack TRC-494 is a 40channel emergency citizen’s band weatheradio that is specially designed for emergency situations. It comes with a handy carrying case so you can easily move it from one vehicle to another. And, the TRC-494 is also a 3-channel weatheradio, which you can use to receive weather information 24 hours a day.
21-1589.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM INTRODUCTION Your Radio Shack TRC-494 is a 40channel emergency citizen’s band weatheradio that is specially designed for emergency situations. It comes with a handy carrying case so you can easily move it from one vehicle to another. And, the TRC-494 is also a 3-channel weatheradio, which you can use to receive weather information 24 hours a day.
21-1589.fm Page 3 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM For your records, we urge you to record your CB’s serial number in the space below. The serial number is 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, 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.
21-1589.fm Page 3 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM For your records, we urge you to record your CB’s serial number in the space below. The serial number is 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, 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.
21-1589.fm Page 4 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM CONTENTS PREPARATION ............................................................................................... Supplying Power......................................................................................... Using Vehicle Battery Power ............................................................... Installing the Battery Pack .................................................................. Attaching the Antenna ............................
21-1589.fm Page 4 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM CONTENTS PREPARATION ............................................................................................... Supplying Power......................................................................................... Using Vehicle Battery Power ............................................................... Installing the Battery Pack .................................................................. Attaching the Antenna ............................
21-1589.fm Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM PREPARATION SUPPLYING POWER Installing the Battery Pack Using Vehicle Battery Power Your CB uses eight AA batteries for power. For the best performance and longest life, we recommend alkaline batteries, such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 23-552. Follow these steps to power the CB from your vehicle’s battery. 1. Plug the small end of the supplied power cord into DC 12V on the side of the CB.
21-1589.fm Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM PREPARATION SUPPLYING POWER Installing the Battery Pack Using Vehicle Battery Power Your CB uses eight AA batteries for power. For the best performance and longest life, we recommend alkaline batteries, such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 23-552. Follow these steps to power the CB from your vehicle’s battery. 1. Plug the small end of the supplied power cord into DC 12V on the side of the CB.
21-1589.fm Page 6 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM 3. Install the batteries in the holder as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked on the holder. 4. Slide the battery pack’s case over the holder until it snaps into place. Note: The case slides over holder in only one direction. doesn’t slide into place on first try, do not force it! Turn case over and try again. the If it the the 5. From the right side of the CB, slide the battery pack onto the bottom of the CB until it clicks into place.
21-1589.fm Page 6 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM 3. Install the batteries in the holder as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked on the holder. 4. Slide the battery pack’s case over the holder until it snaps into place. Note: The case slides over holder in only one direction. doesn’t slide into place on first try, do not force it! Turn case over and try again. the If it the the 5. From the right side of the CB, slide the battery pack onto the bottom of the CB until it clicks into place.
21-1589.fm Page 7 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM Using the Antenna’s Magnetic Base 3. Plug the magnetic base’s wire into EXT ANT. Note: The supplied magnetic mount base is designed for emergency use only while your vehicle is stopped. If you want to use the CB when the vehicle is moving, you need an optional standard mount antenna (available at your local Radio Shack store). You also need a plug adapter (Cat. No. 278-208) to connect the standard antenna’s PL-259 plug to EXT ANT on your CB. 1.
21-1589.fm Page 7 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM Using the Antenna’s Magnetic Base 3. Plug the magnetic base’s wire into EXT ANT. Note: The supplied magnetic mount base is designed for emergency use only while your vehicle is stopped. If you want to use the CB when the vehicle is moving, you need an optional standard mount antenna (available at your local Radio Shack store). You also need a plug adapter (Cat. No. 278-208) to connect the standard antenna’s PL-259 plug to EXT ANT on your CB. 1.
21-1589.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM USING THE CB Before you start using your CB, you should know how to use it effectively and courteously. “CB Operation Tips” contains information that will help you use and enjoy your CB. Note: Before you operate the CB, be sure you connect a power source and an antenna to the CB. 1. Turn VOLUME clockwise to turn on the CB. The volume level appears in the VOLUME window. 2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to CB . 3.
21-1589.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM USING THE CB Before you start using your CB, you should know how to use it effectively and courteously. “CB Operation Tips” contains information that will help you use and enjoy your CB. Note: Before you operate the CB, be sure you connect a power source and an antenna to the CB. 1. Turn VOLUME clockwise to turn on the CB. The volume level appears in the VOLUME window. 2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to CB . 3.
21-1589.fm Page 9 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM In an emergency, broadcast your “CLIP”: SETTING RANGE Call sign — identify yourself Location — be exact Injuries — number of injured, type of injuries, and so on Problem — give complete details. Give information calmly, clearly, and in as few words as possible 6. When you finish transmitting, release PUSH TO TALK. You can now receive transmissions. Adjust VOLUME to the desired listening level. 7.
21-1589.fm Page 9 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM In an emergency, broadcast your “CLIP”: SETTING RANGE Call sign — identify yourself Location — be exact Injuries — number of injured, type of injuries, and so on Problem — give complete details. Give information calmly, clearly, and in as few words as possible 6. When you finish transmitting, release PUSH TO TALK. You can now receive transmissions. Adjust VOLUME to the desired listening level. 7.
21-1589.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM USING THE WEATHERADIO In the USA, detailed weather information is continuously broadcast on 372 government weather stations. Each station broadcasts on A — 162.400, B — 162.475, or C — 162.550 MHz. 2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to A, B or C. Most weather stations use frequency C , but in locations where there might be interference between stations, the other two frequencies might be used.
21-1589.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM USING THE WEATHERADIO In the USA, detailed weather information is continuously broadcast on 372 government weather stations. Each station broadcasts on A — 162.400, B — 162.475, or C — 162.550 MHz. 2. Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to A, B or C. Most weather stations use frequency C , but in locations where there might be interference between stations, the other two frequencies might be used.
-1589.fm Page 11 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM CB OPERATION TIPS Like most activities, CB radio use has its customs and courtesies. The following tips will help you get the most enjoyment from your CB. 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.
21-1589.fm Page 11 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM CB OPERATION TIPS Like most activities, CB radio use has its customs and courtesies. The following tips will help you get the most enjoyment from your CB. 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.
21-1589.fm Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM CB COURTESY MAXIMUM RANGE • Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission before you ask for a break. The maximum range and quality of CB transmissions vary depending on these conditions: • If you do not receive an answer to your call after a second attempt, sign off and wait several minutes before trying again. • The type and quality of antenna used • Do not hold down the PUSH TO TALK button when you are not talking. (This is called dead keying.
21-1589.fm Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM CB COURTESY MAXIMUM RANGE • Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission before you ask for a break. The maximum range and quality of CB transmissions vary depending on these conditions: • If you do not receive an answer to your call after a second attempt, sign off and wait several minutes before trying again. • The type and quality of antenna used • Do not hold down the PUSH TO TALK button when you are not talking. (This is called dead keying.
21-1589.fm Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM USING COMMON 10CODES Citizen’s band operators have largely adopted the 10-codes for standard questions and answers. Their use permits faster communication and better intelligibility in noisy areas. This table lists the codes adopted by the Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO). Code Meaning 10-1 Cannot understand your message. 10-2 Your signal is good. 10-3 Stop transmitting. 10-4 Message received and understood.
21-1589.fm Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM USING COMMON 10CODES Citizen’s band operators have largely adopted the 10-codes for standard questions and answers. Their use permits faster communication and better intelligibility in noisy areas. This table lists the codes adopted by the Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO). Code Meaning 10-1 Cannot understand your message. 10-2 Your signal is good. 10-3 Stop transmitting. 10-4 Message received and understood.
21-1589.fm Page 14 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM 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 Radio Shack store for assistance. Symptom CHANNEL UP/DOWN buttons do not work. Remedy • If CH 9 is set to IN, set it to OUT, then use the CHANNEL UP/DOWN buttons. • Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to CB. No channel display. • Press DISPLAY. The CB displays the channel.
21-1589.fm Page 14 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM 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 Radio Shack store for assistance. Symptom CHANNEL UP/DOWN buttons do not work. Remedy • If CH 9 is set to IN, set it to OUT, then use the CHANNEL UP/DOWN buttons. • Set WEATHERADIO-ABC/CB to CB. No channel display. • Press DISPLAY. The CB displays the channel.
21-1589.fm Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 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.
21-1589.fm Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 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.
21-1589.fm Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM MAINTENANCE Your TRC-494 is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your TRC-494 so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the TRC-494 dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Handle the TRC-494 gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases and can cause the TRC-494 to work improperly.
21-1589.fm Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM MAINTENANCE Your TRC-494 is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your TRC-494 so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the TRC-494 dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Handle the TRC-494 gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases and can cause the TRC-494 to work improperly.
21-1589.fm Page 17 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM REPLACING THE POWER CORD’S FUSE The TRC-494’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 be sure the CB is turned off. 2. To open the cigarette-lighter plug and remove the fuse, turn either end counterclockwise and release it.
21-1589.fm Page 17 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM REPLACING THE POWER CORD’S FUSE The TRC-494’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 be sure the CB is turned off. 2. To open the cigarette-lighter plug and remove the fuse, turn either end counterclockwise and release it.
21-1589.fm Page 18 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM SPECIFICATIONS RECEIVER Frequency Coverage ...............................................(CB) 26.965 to 27.405 MHz (Weatheradio) 162.400, 162.475, 162.550 MHz Sensitivity (Maximum) ............................................................................ 0.25 uV Adjacent Channel Selectivity ................................................. . 60 dB (at 10 kHz) Squelch ....................................................................................
21-1589.fm Page 18 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM SPECIFICATIONS RECEIVER Frequency Coverage ...............................................(CB) 26.965 to 27.405 MHz (Weatheradio) 162.400, 162.475, 162.550 MHz Sensitivity (Maximum) ............................................................................ 0.25 uV Adjacent Channel Selectivity ................................................. . 60 dB (at 10 kHz) Squelch ....................................................................................
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21-1589.fm Page 20 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY This product is warranted against defects for 90 days from date of purchase from Radio Shack company-owned 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.
21-1589.fm Page 20 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:10 AM RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY This product is warranted against defects for 90 days from date of purchase from Radio Shack company-owned 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.
