Cobra Citizens Band 2-Way Handheld CB Radio Operating Instructions
Controls and Indicators
- BNC Antenna Connector
- Squelch Control
- On/Off Volume Control
- Removable Belt Clip
- External Speaker Jack
- External Microphone Jack
- Charge LED
- Rechargeable Battery
- Charge Jack
- DC Power Jack
- Light Key
- Channel Up/Down Keys
- PTT (Push To Talk ) Key
- Battery Door/Chamber
- LCD Display Panel
- Lock Key
- SoundTracker® Key
- CB/WX Weather Key and HI/LO Power Saver Key
- Instant Channel 9 & 19 and Dual Watch Key
- Program Key
- Channel Scan
- Microphone
Operation
Attach the Antenna
Note
To increase range as a portable, use HA-TA telescopic loaded long range antenna. (See Accessory Page 35).
Install the Batteries
- To remove battery chamber cover, press down on the arrow and slide down.
- Install the batteries by polarity markings.
- Replace cover.
Attach the Belt Clip
- Slide the belt clip up on the rails of the base until tab locks.
- To remove the belt clip, lift the tab out and slide the belt clip down.
Note
Ignoring polarity markings (+/-) may cause damage to both the unit and the batteries. The HH 50 WX ST requires 9 “AA” alkaline or NiMH batteries rated at 1000 mAh (not included with the unit).
When the batteries are low or need charging the 
Turning On
Rotate ON – OFF Volume Control clockwise.
Note
Make sure the antenna is installed on the radio.
Note
When you turn on the HH 50 WX ST , a series of tones will be heard and the icons will briefly appear on the LCD display. LCD lights on for 5 seconds, then turns off.
Setting Squelch
Squelch is the “control gate” for incoming signals.
- Turn the volume up louder than normal.
- Fully clockwise closes the “gate”, allowing no incoming signals.
Gate closed
- Fully counterclockwise opens the “gate” and all signals enter.
- 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 setting.
Gate open
Gate set to Desired Squelch Setting (DSS)
Select a Channel
- Turn power ON.
- For higher channels, push UP arrow key.
- For lower channels, push DOWN arrow key.
Note
For quick channel advance, push and hold arrow key(s).
Note
When switching from one channel to another, squelch will need to be reset. See Setting Squelch on pages 4 and 5.
LCD Display
All needed information is displayed on the LCD display panel.
Transmit / Receive
Stop
Antenna must be installed before transmitting.
- To transmit, push and hold PTT button.While the PTT button is depressed you cannot receive transmissions.
- The TRANSMISSION POWER METER will be displayed when transmitting. During transmit, your outgoing transmission power is measured in watts and displayed on the power bar graph.
- Hold the radio about 2 inches from your mouth. Speak in a normal voice.
- Release the PTT button to receive incoming transmissions.
When you are receiving an incoming signal, the strength of that signal will be displayed on the SIGNAL STRENGTH METER.
Note
Your HH50 WX ST is always ready to receive incoming signals when the PTT button is released.
One Touch For Channel 9 and Channel 19
To gain instant access to Channels 9 (emergency) and 19 (information) from other channels:
- Push CH 9/19 once for channel 9.
- Push CH 9/19 again for Channel 19.
- To return to the original channel, push CH 9/19 a third time.
All Channel Scan
To scan all 40 channels:
- Set Desired Squelch Setting (DSS).
- Push SCAN key. The channels will index.
- To stop scanning, push SCAN key again.
Note
When an incoming transmission is received the HH 50 WX ST will stop scanning. 10 seconds after the incoming signal stops, scanning will resume.
Note
To set Desired Squelch Setting (DSS) see Setting Squelch on pages 4 and 5. Pressing the PTT key or scan key will terminate scan mode.
Dual Watch
Dual Watch allows simultaneous monitoring of two user selected channels. For example, to monitor Channel 11 and 17 for incoming transmissions:
- Set Desired Squelch Setting (DSS).
- Select Channel 11 with CHANNEL UP/ DOWN key.
- Push and release PROGRAM key. PROGRAM icon will be displayed.
- Push and hold PWR SAVER/CH9/19/DW key until “beep” is heard. The DW icon will flash and the PROGRAM icon will disappear.
- Select Channel 17 with CHANNEL UP/ DOWN key.
- Push and release PWR SAVER/CH9/19/DW key, a “beep” will be heard. The DW icon will stay on.
- The HH 50 WX ST display will switch between the selected channels.
- To stop dual watch, push CHANNEL UP/ DOWN key, or turn the radio off.
Note
When a incoming transmission is received the HH 50 WX ST will stop monitoring and remain on the channel. After 10 seconds the radio will continue to monitor the 2 channels.
Weather Channels
10 National Weather Channels provide weather transmission reception.
Note
The 10 National Weather Channels include 7 NOAA and 3 Canadian channels. These channels provide full coverage to keep you informed of weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For a list of weather frequencies see specifications in the Frequency Ranges section on page 32.
Note
Your HH 50 WX ST has a special auto squelch circuit for weather transmission which disables your squelch control.
- Push and release the CB/WX key and the current weather channel will appear.
- To change weather channels push the CHANNEL UP/DOWN arrow keys.
At times, different channels can be received. Select the one with the clearest audio quality.
- To return to normal CB operation, push and release the CB/WX key again. The WX icon will disappear.
Note
An agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA operates 500 stations which reach about 90% of the U.S. population. If you cannot receive a weather station, you may not have one in your area. If you wish to receive a listing of NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter locations, contact your nearest National Weather Service Office, or write to: National Weather Service (Attn: W/OM11), NOAA Silver Spring, MD 20910
Power Saver (HI/LOW)
Reduces the transmit power output to 1 watt to extend the battery life.
Note
The low power setting cuts the transmitting range in half. The receiving range is not affected.
- Push and release the PROGRAM key. PROGRAM icon will be displayed.
- Push and release the CB/WX key. The PWR SAVE icon will appear and the PROGRAM icon will disappear.
- To exit Power Saver (HI/LOW) mode: Push and release PROGRAM key. PROGRAM icon will be displayed.
- Push and release the CB/WX PWR SAVER key.
- PROGRAM and PWR SAVE icon will disappear
Note
The battery life is increased approximately 50% while in Power Saver Mode.
Battery Capacity Level
To monitor the remaining power level of the HH 50 WX ST battery: Check the battery icon bands.
Note
The radio does not transmit if the batteries are low.
The BATTERY icon will flash if the batteries are low. Replace or recharge the batteries as soon as possible.
The SoundTracker® System
While previous systems only “blanket out” or limit noise in higher sound frequencies, the revolutionary SoundTracker® System actually reduces noise while leaving the signal intact in the reception mode. In the transmission mode, it actually strengthens the signal, providing you with a significant reduction in noise on reception and transmission.
Sound clarity is measured by the ratio of the signal level to the noise level. The higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the better the sound.
How SoundTracker® Works
On Reception – “Cuts noise coming in” With a normal CB, distant signals fall below the squelch level and are unintelligible. With a SoundTracker® CB. the noise level is cut up to 90%, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio and dramatically improves signal clarity. This also allows you to significantly reduce the squelch level, which greatly expands your listening range. On Transmission – “Strengthens signals going out” A SoundTracker® CB strengthens the transmit signal by more effectively using the available RF power output of the CB. The result is improved transmission signal clarity and an expanded transmission range.
Note
SoundTracker® gives you clearer, cleaner reception to improve CB communications while on the air.
Activating SoundTracker®
Note
This engages the SoundTracker® system and reduces the incoming noise level.
- Push and release the ST key.
The SOUNDTRACKER icon will appear.
Testing SoundTracker®
- Select any unused channel on your CB.
- Fully counterclockwise opens the “gate” and all signals enter. Turn the knob clockwise until it stops.
- Deactivate soundtrack mode by pressing the SOUNDTRACKER key.
- Turn the volume up louder than your normal listening level.
- Push and release the ST key. The SOUNDTRACKER icon will appear. *Notice the significant reduction in noise.
Note
At times you may experience different levels of noise reduction. Different terrains and environments will effect the SoundTracker® System’s performance.
- To disengage SoundTracker® push and release the ST key again.
- ST icon will disappear.
Lighted Display
To illuminate the display, push and release the light key. The light will remain on for about 10 seconds.
Lock Key
The purpose is to lock thefront keys to avoid accidental actuation.
Note
PTT , LIGHT, VOLUME, SQUELCH and LOCK functions are still operational while the LOCK function is activated.
- To lock, push and hold the LOCK key. The LOCK icon will appear.
- To unlock, push and hold the LOCK key.
In Vehicle Use
The HH 50 WX ST can be connected to your cigarette lighter port with the provided adapter. This power connection will also charge the batteries with the included interchageable tip.
Note
Due to the characteristics of CB transmissions, it is necessary to use an external car roof/truck magnet mounted antenna (item # HG A1000) and a BNC S0239 adapter (item # HA-BNC) to receive optimal performance while in your vehicle. See Accessories section on page 35.
Note
The HH50RT Road trip model comes with a magnet mounted antenna (item #HH-Mini).
SAFETY NOTICE MPE minimum distance for HH-Mini Antenna
The antenna used for this transceiver must be properly installed and maintained and must provide a seperation distance of at least 12 inches (31 cm) from all persons and must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Never transmit if any person is closer than the specified distance to the antenna.
How Your CB Can Serve You
A 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 a 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 a 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.
Weather Channel Messages
Local weather reports are provided by NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An agency of the U. S. Department of Commerce, NOAA operates 500 stations which reach about 90% of the U. S. population. If you cannot receive a weather station, you may not have one in your area. A similar network of 15 stations broadcasts continuous weather information across much of southern Canada.
Note
If you wish to receive a listing of NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter locations, contact your nearest National Weather Service Office, or write to: National Weather Service (Attn: W/OM11), NOAA Silver Spring, MD 20910 For a list of weather frequencies see specifications in the Frequency Ranges section on page 32.
Channel 9 Emergency Messages
Note
If there is no response on channel 9, try channels 19 or 14.
- Set to channel 9 for emergencies Be sure the 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.
The FCC gives these examples of permitted and prohibited messages for channel 9. These are only guidelines and not all-inclusive:
CB 10-Codes
Frequency Ranges
Limited Two Year Warranty
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its COBRA CB Radios, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for period of two (2) years from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A. COBRA will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective CB radios, products or component parts upon delivery to the COBRA factory Service Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
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