trc-499 - cb tricks - home · pdf fileyour cb might cause tv or radio in-terference even when...

Cat. No. 21-1599

OWNER’S MANUAL

40-Channel 2-Way CB Radio

Please read before using this equipment.

TRC-499

21-1599.fm Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:59 AM

2

INTRODUCTION

© 1995 Tandy Corporation.All Rights Reserved.

Radio Shack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

Your Radio Shack TRC-499 40-Channel 2-Way CB Radio is a highperformance CB with the maximumallowable legal power and innovativestyling.

This CB is perfect for recreational,business, or emergency use. Youcan call other people who have CBsat home, in their vehicles, or at campsites. You can also connect optionalequipment to your CB, such as anexternal PA speaker, or a DC powersupply and base station antenna toset up a base station in your home.

Your CB has these features:

PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Fre-quenc y Synthesizer —provides reli-able and exact tuning using a precisefrequency reference crystal.

Two Ceramic Filters —provide su-perior selectivity and prevent adja-cent-channel interference.

Hysteresis Squelch Circuit —compensates for fading signals andeliminates signal chopping during re-ception.

Automatic Noise Limitin g (ANL)Circuit — reduces noise caused bynearby electrical equipment such asmotors or automotive ignition sys-tems.

DOWN/UP Channel Selector —provides maximum conveniencewhen selecting channels.

LED Displa y — lets you easily seethe selected channel number.

Universal Mountin g Bracket —letsyou mount your CB securely in yourvehicle or on a table or shelf in yourhome.

Note: To use this CB, you need amobile or base station antenna. Yourlocal Radio Shack store has a widevariety of antennas. For more infor-mation, see “Installing an Antenna.”

For your records, we urge you torecord your CB’s serial number in thespace below. The serial number is onthe CB’s back panel.

Serial Number_________________


3

FCC INFORMATION

The Federal Communications Com-mission (FCC) does not require youto have a license to operate this CB.However, the FCC does require youto read and know Part 95 of FCCRules. These rules apply to the oper-ation of a Class D CB. We have pro-vided a copy of these regulationswith your CB.

Warnin g: Do not open your CB tomake any internal adjustments. Anyinternal adjustments can be madeonly by authorized service person-nel.

Internal adjustments and/or modifi-cations can lead to illegal operationas defined by Part 95 of FCC Rules.Such illegal operation can lead tovery serious consequences.

To be safe and sure:

• Never open your CB’s case.

• Never modify your CB.

Your CB might cause TV or radio in-terference even when it is operatingproperly. To determine whether yourCB is causing the interference, turnoff your CB. If the interference goesaway, your CB is causing the interfer-ence. Try to eliminate the interfer-ence by:

• Moving your CB away from thereceiver.

• Contacting your local RadioShack store for help.

If you cannot eliminate the interfer-ence, the FCC requires that you stopusing your CB.


4

CONTENTS

Installation ....................................................................................................... 5Mounting the Microphone Holder ............................................................... 5Connecting the Microphone........................................................................ 5Mounting the TRC-499 ................................................................................ 5Installing an Antenna .................................................................................. 6

Selecting an Antenna ............................................................................ 6Connecting an Antenna ....................................................................... 7

Using Vehicle Battery Power ...................................................................... 7Using the CB as a Base Station ................................................................. 7Connecting an Optional External Speaker ................................................. 8

Operation ......................................................................................................... 9Receiving Transmissions and Adjusting Squelch ....................................... 9Transmitting ................................................................................................ 9CB Operation Tips ..................................................................................... 10

Common Uses for a CB Radio............................................................ 10CB Courtesy.........................................................................................11Maximum Range ..................................................................................11Using Common 10-Codes................................................................... 12

Troubleshootin g ............................................................................................ 13Reducing Noise ........................................................................................ 14

Maintenance .................................................................................................. 15Replacing the Fuse ................................................................................... 16

Specifications ................................................................................................ 17


5

INSTALLATION

MOUNTING THE MICROPHONE HOLDER

Using a Phillips screwdriver and thesupplied small screws and smallmetal washers, attach the suppliedmicrophone holder horizontally orvertically to either side of the CB.

CONNECTING THE MICROPHONE

1. Insert the microphone’s plug intothe microphone jack until itclicks.

Caution: The microphone’s plugfits only one way into the micro-phone jack. Do not force it.

2. Slide the microphone onto themicrophone holder.

To disconnect the microphone cable,squeeze the bottom of the micro-phone’s plug, then gently pull it out.

Caution: Never pull on the micro-phone cable.

MOUNTING THE TRC-499

The most common mounting locationfor this CB is under a vehicle’s dash-board. However, if you use the TRC-499 as a base station, you can placeit on a desk, shelf, or table (see “Us-ing the CB as a Base Station”).

If you are mounting the CB in a vehi-cle, choose a location where:

• You can easily reach the CB.

• Wires and cables will not inter-fere with the vehicle’s pedals orother moving parts.

• The CB is not directly in front ofheating vents.

• All wires and cables will reachtheir connection points.

Cautions:

• The TRC-499 is designed towork in a vehicle that has a 12-volt DC, negative-ground electri-cal system. Most vehicles havethis type of system. If you arenot sure about your vehicle,check with your vehicle dealer.


6

• If you use the TRC-499 in avehicle, mount it securely toavoid damage to the CB or vehi-cle during sudden starts orstops.

Follow these steps to mount the CBusing the supplied hardware.

1. Using the mounting bracket as atemplate, mark the positions forthe screw holes.

2. In each marked location, drill ahole slightly smaller than thesupplied large screws.

Caution: Be careful not to drillinto anything behind the mount-ing surface.

3. Using a Phillips screwdriver,attach the mounting bracket tothe mounting surface with thelarge screws and supplied lockwashers.

4. Attach the CB to the mountingbracket using the rubber wash-ers and mounting knobs.

INSTALLING AN ANTENNA

Caution: To prevent damage to yourCB, you must connect an antenna tothe CB before you operate it.

Selecting an Antenna

When deciding on a mobile or base-station antenna and its location, con-sider these points:

• The location of the antennashould be as high as possible.

• The antenna and antenna cableshould be as far as possiblefrom sources of electrical noise(ignition systems, gauges, etc.).

• The antenna should be verticalfor the best performance.

Your local Radio Shack store sells avariety of CB antennas for both mo-bile and base-station use. Choosethe one that best meets your needs.


7

Connecting an Antenna

Once you choose an antenna, followthe mounting instructions suppliedwith it. Then route the antenna cableto the CB and connect the cable tothe ANTENNA jack on the back of theCB.

Cautions:

• Do not run the cable over sharpedges or moving parts.

• Do not run the cable next topower cables or other CBantenna cables.

• Do not run the cable through avehicle’s engine compartment orother areas that produceextreme heat.

USING VEHICLE BATTERY POWER

You can power this CB from your ve-hicle’s battery or from standard ACpower with an optional DC powersupply. For information on using ACpower, see “Using the CB as a BaseStation.”

Follow these steps to power the CBfrom your vehicle’s battery.

1. Connect the CB’s black wire toyour vehicle battery’s negative(–) terminal or to a metal part ofthe vehicle’s frame that is notinsulated from the frame by aplastic part.

2. Connect the CB’s red wire, within-line fuse, to a source of volt-age that turns on and off with theignition switch, such as a spareaccessory terminal in your vehi-cle’s fuse box.

USING THE CB AS A BASE STATION

Although this CB is designed for mo-bile use, you can also use it as abase station. To do so, you need thefollowing items.

• 12-volt DC power supply (suchas Cat. No. 22-120)

Caution: Most 12-volt DC powersupplies plug into a standard ACoutlet to produce DC power.Before connecting your CB to a12-volt DC power supply, readand follow the instructions pro-vided with the power supply.


8

• Base station antenna (such asCat. No. 21-967)

• Coaxial antenna cable and con-nectors

Note: Your local Radio Shack storecarries power supplies, antennas,coaxial antenna cable, and connec-tors.

Follow these steps to install the CBas a base station.

1. Mount the base station antennaas described in its owner’s man-ual.

Warning: Use extreme cautionwhen you install or remove abase station CB antenna. If theantenna starts to fall, let it go! Itcould contact overhead powerlines. If the antenna touches thepower line, contact with theantenna, mast, cable, or guywires can cause electrocutionand death. Call the power com-pany to remove the antenna. DONOT attempt to do so yourself.

2. Connect the antenna’s cable tothe ANTENNA jack on the backof the CB.

3. Connect the CB’s black wire tothe DC power supply’s negative(–) terminal.

4. Connect the CB’s red wire, within-line fuse, to the DC powersupply’s positive (+) terminal.

5. Plug the DC power supply into astandard AC outlet.

CONNECTING AN OPTIONAL EXTERNAL SPEAKER

To make the CB easier to hear innoisy environments, you can connectit to an external CB speaker. Use an8-ohm speaker capable of handling 3to 5 watts of power (such as RadioShack Cat. No. 21-549). The speak-er’s cable must have a 1/8-inch plug.

Simply plug the speaker cable intothe CB’s EXT8 Ω jack.

Note: When you connect an externalspeaker, the CB’s internal speakerautomatically disconnects.


9

OPERATION

Before you start using your CB, youshould know how to use it effectivelyand courteously. “CB OperationTips” contains information that willhelp you use and enjoy your CB.

RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS AND ADJUSTING SQUELCH

Caution: Do not attempt to use yourCB without first connecting an anten-na to it.

1. Turn SQUELCH fully counter-clockwise.

2. To turn on the CB, turn VOLUMEclockwise until you hear it clickand you hear a hissing sound.The CB displays a channel num-ber.

3. Turn SQUELCH clockwise untilthe hissing sound stops.

Note: If the CB picks upunwanted, partial, or very weaktransmissions, turn SQUELCHclockwise to decrease the CB’ssensitivity to these signals. Ifyou want to listen to a weak ordistant station, turn SQUELCHcounterclockwise.

4. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortablelistening level.

5. Press DOWN to select lowerchannels or UP to select higherchannels. The channel numberappears on the display.

Important! Channel 9 isreserved for motorist assistanceand for reporting emergencyinformation about accidents,hazardous road conditions, andso on. Always give emergencymessages priority on Channel 9.

6. To turn off the TRC-499, turnVOLUME counterclockwise untilyou hear it click.

TRANSMITTING

Note: We recommend you try receiv-ing transmissions before you trans-mit.


10

1. Follow Steps 1-5 under “Receiv-ing Transmissions and AdjustingSquelch.”

2. Hold the microphone 2 or 3inches from your mouth. Thenpress and hold down the micro-phone talk button and speak intothe microphone in a normalvoice. The TX indicator turns on.

Note: Do not speak too loudlywhen transmitting. It does notmake your signal any stronger,and might distort your transmis-sion.

3. When you finish transmitting,release the microphone talk but-ton. The TX indicator turns off.You can now receive transmis-sions.

4. To turn off the TRC-499, turnVOLUME counterclockwise untilyou hear it click.

CB OPERATION TIPS

Like most activities, CB radio has itscustoms and courtesies. The follow-ing tips will help you get the most en-joyment from your CB.

Common Uses for a CB Radio

Business Uses

• Truck drivers and delivery per-sonnel can learn road and trafficconditions and get assistance inlocating destinations. A CB isalso good company on those“long hauls.”

• On construction crews, a CBquickly pays for itself when youare calling for additional materi-als or coordinating the activitiesof different work crews.

• For security officers, a CB ismore than a convenience – it isa must for both safety and effi-ciency.

Personal Uses

• Keep in touch with home whiledriving to work, to the store, or toa social activity. Let your familyknow you are tied up in traffic orthat you will stop by the store onthe way home.

• If you are a two-car (or more)family, CBs are great for com-municating with family memberswhile they are in their cars.

• Contact friends or neighbors –find out “what’s happening” orplan a get-together.

• Ever have car trouble or run outof gas on the highway? What an


11

assurance it is to be able toradio for assistance!

• Camping, fishing, and othersports 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 someoneelse’s transmission before youask for a break.

• If you do not receive an answerto your call after a secondattempt, sign off and wait sev-eral minutes before trying again.

• Do not hold down the micro-phone talk button when you arenot talking. (This is called deadkeying.)

• Assist callers with directions,information about road condi-tions, and any other reasonablerequests.

Maximum Range

The maximum range and quality ofCB transmissions vary depending onthese conditions:

• The type and quality of antennaused.

• The height of the antenna’smounting location – the higherthe antenna, the better the sig-nal’s range.

• The surrounding terrain –mountains and tall buildings limitthe range.

• Weather conditions.

• The number of nearby CBsoperating on the same channel.

• Standing wave ratio (SWR)between the antenna and theCB. You can check the SWRbetween the CB and a mobile orbase-station antenna using anSWR tester (Cat. No. 21-523).Follow the instructions suppliedwith the SWR tester and themobile or base-station antennato change the SWR, if neces-sary.


12

Using Common 10-Codes

Citizen’s band operators have largelyadopted the 10-codes for standardquestions and answers. Thesecodes permit faster communicationand better intelligibility in noisy ar-eas.

This table lists the codes adopted bythe Associated Public Safety Com-munications 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.

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.

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 ____________.

10-20 What is your location?

10-21 Call ___________ by tele-phone.

10-22 Cancel last message.

10-23 Arrived at the scene.

10-24 Assignment complete.

10-26 Estimated time of arrival is ____________________.

10-30 Use caution.

10-31 Pick up.

10-33 Emergency traffic. Clear the channel.

10-34 What time is it?

Code Meaning


13

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your CB is not working as it should, follow the suggestions below to see if youcan eliminate the problem. If you cannot, take the CB to your local Radio Shackstore for assistance.

Symptom Check That:

Trouble with reception • The CB is turned on.

• VOLUME is turned up.

• SQUELCH is adjusted properly.

• The microphone is securely connected to theCB.

• The antenna cable is securely connected toboth the antenna and the CB.

Trouble with transmis-sion

• The CB is turned on.

• The microphone is securely connected to theCB.

• All connectors are clean and tightened.

• The antenna cable is securely connected toboth the antenna and the CB.

• You are fully pressing the microphone talk but-ton.

CB does not work at all The power supply (either vehicle or 12V DC) and in-line fuse (replace only with an identical 2-amp fuse) are working; see “Replacing the Fuse.”


14

REDUCING NOISE

The Automatic Noise Limiting (ANL)circuit helps keep background noiseto a minimum. However, strongsources of electrical noise (such asyour vehicle’s ignition, another radio,or spark plugs) might be more thanthe circuit can compensate for.

If you operate the TRC-499 with a ve-hicle’s engine off, you should nothave any problems with noise. If youuse the CB with the engine on, youcan determine the source of thenoise by turning off the engine andoperating the CB with the ignition setto ACC. If most or all of the noisegoes away, the problem is in your ve-hicle’s ignition or electrical system.

Here are a few hints to help you re-duce or eliminate such noise:

• Replace old ignition wires withnew, high-voltage, noise-sup-pression wires.

• Install noise suppressors onyour spark plugs, or install newspark plugs that have built-insuppressors.

• Be sure that the ground connec-tion (black wire) is secure.

If problems persist, check your alter-nator/generator, regulator, and gaug-es. Noise from these sources can bereduced or eliminated using bypasscapacitors at various output voltagepoints.

Your local Radio Shack store has awide selection of noise-suppressionaccessories.


15

MAINTENANCE

Your TRC-499 40-Channel 2-Way CB Radio is an example of superior designand craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your CB soyou can enjoy it for years.

Keep the CB dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquidsmight contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.

Handle the CB gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage cir-cuit boards and cases and can cause the CB to work improperly.

Keep the CB away from dust and dirt, which can cause prematurewear of parts.

Wipe the CB with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it lookingnew. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong de-tergents to clean the CB.

Modifying or tampering with the CB’s internal components can cause a malfunc-tion and might invalidate your CB’s warranty and void your FCC authorization tooperate it. If your CB is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.

CLEANER


16

REPLACING THE FUSE

The TRC-499’s 2-amp fuse helpsprotect your CB from power surgesand short circuits. If the fuse is blown,replace it with a 2-amp, fast-actingglass fuse (Cat. No. 270-1007).

Follow these steps to replace thefuse.

1. Make sure the power sourceand CB are both turned off.

2. To open the fuse holder, pushthe fuse holder ends together,then turn either end counter-clockwise and release it.

3. If the fuse is blown, replace it.

Caution: Make sure you replacethe fuse only with another fuseof the same type and rating.

4. To close the fuse holder, pushthe fuse holder ends together,then turn either end clockwise.


17

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 ......................................................................... 3 Watts (Minimum)

Frequency Response ..................................................... -6 dB (at 450-2500 Hz)

Intermediate Frequency ............................................................1st 10.695 MHz, 2nd 455 kHz

Cross Modulation .......................................................................................50 dB

Squelch ............................................................ Adjustable from 0.5 µV to 1 mV

TRANSMITTER

Frequency Coverage.............................................All 40 CB Channels (Class D) 26.965 to 27.405 MHz

Output Power ............................................................... 4 Watts (FCC Maximum)

Type of Modulation ...................... AM Double Sideband, Full Carrier Modulation

Modulation Capability ................................................................................ ± 90%

Spurious Emission.................................................................................... -60 dB

Frequency Tolerance.............................................................................±±200 Hz

Antenna Impedance ............................................................................... 50 Ohm

Current Drain (13.8 volt supply) ................................ 1 Amp with No Modulation 1.5 Amps with 80% Modulation

GENERAL

Power Requirements ........................................13.8 Volts DC, Negative Ground

Dimensions......................................................... 13/8 x 49/16 x 61/4 Inches (HWD) (47 x 150 x 202 mm)

Weight ...................................................................................................... 13/4 lbs

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subjectto change and improvement without notice.


18

NOTES


19


RADIO SHACKA Division of Tandy Corporation

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

3A5 Printed in Thailand

RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY

This product is warranted against defects for 90 days from date of pur-chase from Radio Shack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. Within this period, we will repair it with-out charge for parts and labor. Simply bring your Radio Shack salesslip as proof of purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty doesnot cover transportation costs. Nor does it cover a product subjected tomisuse or accidental damage.EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK MAKES NOEXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIM-ITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITEDWARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. Some states do not permit limita-tion or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limita-tion(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which varyfrom state to state.

We Service What We Sell 9/94


trc-499 - cb tricks - home · pdf fileyour cb might cause tv or radio in-terference even when...

Documents