Cobra 29 LTD AM/FM Series Professional CB Radio Owners Manual

Cobra 29 LTD AM/FM Series Professional CB Radio Owners Manual

Installation

Location

Plan for the location of the CB transceiver and microphone bracket before starting the installation. Select a location that is convenient for operation, yet does not interfere with the driver or passenger. The transceiver is usually mounted to the underside of the dash with the microphone bracket beside it.

NOTE: The transceiver is held in the universal mounting bracket by two thumbscrews which allow for adjustment to a convenient angle. The bracket includes two self-tapping screws and star washers. The mounting must be mechanically strong and conveniently located.

Mounting and Connection

• Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in the exact desired location. If there is no interference, remove the bracket and use it as a template to mark the location for the mounting screws.

• Drill the holes and secure the bracket.
• Connect the antenna cable plug to the receptacle marked “ANT” on the back of the unit.

• Connect the red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory 12 volt fuse or directly to the battery.

NOTE: Connecting to an accessory fuse prevents the unit from being left on accidentally, and also permits operating the unit without running the engine.

• Connect the black lead to the negative side of the vehicle electrical system. This is usually the chassis. Any convenient location with a good electrical contact (remove paint) may be used.

NOTE: Before installing the CB radio, visually check the vehicle’s battery connection to determine which terminal is positive or negative. A negatively grounded vehicle has its negative lead grounded to the chassis.

• Plug power cable into back of unit marked “Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.

• The microphone can be mounted to either side of the CB using the supplied screws. Alternatively the microphone can be mounted to the dash or any convenient location.

• Attach the microphone to the fro nt of the CB.

NOTE: If the microphone is not connected, audio will not be heard at the speaker.

Antennas

CB Antenna

Since the maximum allowable power output of the transmitter is limited by the FCC, the antenna is critical in affecting transmission distance. Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maximum power output. Cobra loaded type antenna models are highly recommended for most installations. Consult your Cobra dealer for further details, or call 800-543-1608 and speak to a Cobra representative. A standard antenna connector is provided on the transceiver for easy connection.

For optimum performance in passenger cars the ideal antenna location is on the center of the roof. Second choice is on the center of the trunk. Because many newer trucks feature fiberglass door skins, the outside mirror must be grounded to the chassis via a ground strap when the antenna is mounted on the mirror bracket. 3-way combination antennas are also available which allow operation of all three bands (AM-FM & CB), using a single antenna. However, this type of antenna usually results in less than normal transmit and receive range when compared to a standard-type “Single Band” CB antenna. Cobra offers CB antenna and mounting solutions that can be purchased online. Please visit www.cobra.com, or if you’d like to speak with an expert, please call 1-800-543-1608 and our Customer Care Group can assist.

Operation

Turning On Your CB

Make sure the power cord, connectors before starting.

• The CB/PA button should be in the CB position.

• Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to a normal listening level.

Setting AM/FM

29 LTD Series AM/FM CBs allows for communications on either AM or FM modes. Each mode operates under Channels 1 – 40. AM is the default mode. To change to FM mode, press and release the channel selector knob to choose FM. Once selected a green indicator will appear to the right of the displayed channel and indicate you are in FM Mode.

Setting Channel Selector

Select one of forty channels. The selected channel is indicated by the LED readout directly above the channel selector knob.

Calibrate for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)

SWR calibration is done to properly adjust the length of the antenna and to monitor the quality of the coaxial cable and all RF connections. This calibration is critical to achieve optimum performance.

• Select Channel 20.

• Switch to the CAL position.

NOTE: Antenna Indicator LED will illuminate when transmitting if the SWR is high.

• Push and hold the mic button.

• While holding the mic button adjust the SWR CAL knob so the meter swings to the CAL mark on the right side of the meter.

NOTE: Calibration must be made in an open area (never in a garage). The vehicle’s doors must be closed. No one should be standing near the antenna. (See your antenna directions for more complete information.)

• While still holding down the mic button, set the S/RF SWR CAL SWR position, to read the SWR reading.
• Repeat the same steps two through five on Channel 1 and 40. This will check SWR for all channels.

NOTE: The reading will be slightly higher on Channels 1 and 40 compared to Channel 20.

NOTE: When switched to SWR position the meter needle should ideally be as far to the left as possible. Anything over 3 is not acceptable. The antenna indicator will light. A slight antenna height adjustment (higher or lower) may be required. Repeat recalibration steps.

To Receive

Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise. While receiving the RX/TX LED will be illuminated and the lower portion of the meter will show the incoming signal strength.

S-Mete

The S-Meter swings proportionately to the strength of the incoming signal when receiving. The S/RF-SWR-CAL switch must be in the S/RF position to read the meter.

NB-ANL/ANL/OFF (Noise Blanker/ Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch

When switched to ANL the Automatic Noise Limiter is activated. This helps reduce noise created by the vehicle’s electronics. When switched to NB/ANL the RF Noise Blanker is also activated, providing increased noise filtration. When switched to OFF all noise filtration will be turned off.

NOTE: The RF noise blanker is very effective in reducing repetitive noises such as ignition interference.

Bright/Dim Switch

Switch to BRT or DIM to control the brightness of the channel indicator and multi-function meter for day or nighttime driving.

RF Gain Control

The RF Gain is used to optimize reception in strong or weak signal areas. Rotate the RF Gain knob counterclockwise to reduce gain in strong signal areas. In weak signal areas turn clockwise to increase gain.

Setting Delta Tune (29 LTD/29 LTD Chrome)

Delta-Tune functions as a “fine tune” control enabling you to capture a more intelligible signal, as well as eliminate adjacent channel interference. Rotate the Delta Tune knob to the center position for optimum tuning.

Setting Talk Back (29 LTD Chrome)

This control is used to adjust the desired amount of modulation talk back that is present at the speaker during transmit. At fully counter-clockwise position the talk back is off.

Dimmer Control (29 LTD NightWatch®)

The Dimmer controls the brightness of the front panel, signal strength meter and channel display. Rotate the Dimmer knob clockwise for maximum brightness; counter-clockwise for minimum.

Setting Squelch

Squelch (SQ) is used to cut off or eliminate background noise in the absence of an incoming signal (when you are not talking).

• Full clockwise rotation closes the “gate” allowing only very strong signals to enter.

• Full counterclockwise rotation opens the “gate” allowing all signals in.

• To achieve the Desired Squelch Setting (DSS), turn the Squelch control counterclockwise until you hear noise. Now turn the control clockwise just until the noise stops. This is the DSS.

To Transmit

• Select the desired channel.

CAUTION: Be sure the antenna is properly connected to the radio before transmitting. Prolonged transmitting without an antenna or a poorly matched antenna could cause damage to the transmitter. Be sure to read the FCC Part 95 Rules and Regulations before transmitting.

Set Dynamike®

This controls the microphone sensitivity (outgoing audio level).

• Initially, set fully clockwise so that the maximum voice volume is available. Dynamike® may have to be reduced in some conditions.

• Push and hold the mic button to transmit. When transmitting, hold the microphone two inches from your mouth and speak in a clear, normal voice. Release the mic button to receive.

RF Meter

This meter swings proportionately to the RF  output (outgoing signal) while transmitting. The S/RF-SWR-CAL switch must be in the S/RF position.

External Speaker

Connecting an external speaker can provide louder and clearer incoming audio. Connect an external speaker to the external speaker jack on the rear panel.

NOTE: The external speaker should have 8-ohm impedance and be rated to handle at least 4.0 watts. When the external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker is automatically disconnected. Cobra external speakers are rated at 10 watts.

PA (Public Address)

• Connect an external PA speaker to the PA jack on the rear panel.

NOTE: The speaker should have 8-ohm impedance and be rated to handle at least 4.0 watts.

• Set the CB/PA switch to the PA position.

NOTE: The speaker should be directed away from the microphone to prevent acoustic feedback.

• Push and hold the microphone button and speak in a normal voice. Your voice will now transmit through the PA speaker.

• Adjust the PA speaker volume with the Dynamike® control.

Base Station Operation (From 120V AC House Current)

To operate the transceiver from home or office you will need a 13.8 volt DC Power Pack rated at a minimum of 2 amps, and a properly installed base station antenna.

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this transceiver by connecting it directly to 120VAC.

• Simply connect the red (+) and black (-) leads of the transceiver to the corresponding terminals of the power pack.]

• Plug the power cable into the back of the unit marked “Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.
• Connect a properly installed and matched base station antenna.

Temporary Mobile Operation

For temporary mobile operation you may want to purchase an optional automobile power adapter from your Cobra dealer. This adapter and a magnetic mount antenna allow you to quickly “install” your transceiver for temporary use.

How Your CB Can Serve You

Your CB Radio Can:

• Warn of traffic problems
• Provide weather and road data
• Provide help in event of an emergency
• Provide direct contact with home or office
• Assist police by reporting erratic drivers
• Get “local information” to find destination
• Communicate with family and friends
• Suggest spots to eat and sleep
• Keep you alert while traveling

A Few Rules You Should Know:

• Conversations cannot last more than 5 minutes with another station. A one minute break is required to let others use the channel.
• You cannot blast others off the air by use of illegally amplified transmitters or illegally high antennas.
• You cannot use CB to promote illegal activities.
• Profanity is not allowed.
• You may not transmit music with a CB.
• Selling of merchandise and/or services is prohibited.

Set Channel 9 For Emergencies

Be sure antenna is properly connected.

CB Distress Data

When transmitting an emergency, you should request a “REACT BASE” and provide the CB distress data (called CLIP):
Call Sign Identify yourself.
Location Be exact.
Injuries Number. Type. Trapped?
Problem Give details and help needed.
Transmit CLIP repeatedly so any monitor can assist.

NOTE: If no response on channel 9, try channels 19 or 14.

The FCC gives these examples of permitted and prohibited messages for channel 9. These are only guidelines and not all-inclusive:

CB 10-Codes

Citizen Bands have adopted the “10-CODES” for standard questions and answers. These codes provide quick and easy communication, especially in noisy areas. The following are some of the more common codes and meanings:

Frequency Ranges

The Cobra 29 LTD Pro Series transceivers represent some of the most ad vanned AM/FM two-way radios used as a Class D station in the Citizens Band Radio Service. These units feature advanced Phase Lock Loop (PLL) circuitry providing complete coverage of all 40 CB channels.

Limited 2-Year Warranty

Cobra warrants your product against all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase. Cobra, at our sole discretion, will repair or replace your product (with the same or comparable product) free of charge. Cobra will not pay shipping charges that you incur for sending your product to us. Products received COD will be refused. To make a warranty claim, we will require proof or purchase in the form of an invoice or receipt. No proof of purchase is required for factory direct purchases.

Need Help?

For products purchased in the U.S.A., if your product should require factory service, please please go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions for returning your product to the Cobra Factory Service Department for service. Should there be any problems with this product or further information is needed on its features please visit www.cobra.com for support, frequently asked questions, Declarations of Conformity, and full manuals. For Products Purchased Outside the U.S.A. or Canada Please contact your local dealer for product service information.

29 LTD Series Features

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