Midland 77-104XL Channel Mini Mobile CB Radio User Manual
Congratulations. You have just purchased a state-of-the-art mobile CB radio. In the years ahead, you can expect to realize time and again the real reasons and meaning of the front-running position Midland holds among CB users everywhere. You will come to know that Midland power is more than just a slogan, but the heading of a long list of hearable, seeable benefits.
As your Midland CB experience unfolds and grows we hope you will remember that CB is only one kind of electronic excellence available under the Midland name. Your 40-channel CB represents the state of the art in high-tech engineering. The unit incorporates microprocessor-controlled PLL circuitry for precise tuning.
Midland 77-104XL CB Operating controls
How to install your Midland mobile CB
This transceiver may be installed in any 12-volt negative ground system car or truck. Most current U.S. and foreign vehicles use a negative system, but some older models and some newer large trucks may have a positive ground. Check the requirements for your vehicle before you begin installation.
Generally, you have a negative-ground system if the minus ( – ) battery terminal is connected to the motor block. Contact your dealer in the event you are unable to determine your vehicle’s polarity system. Installation and operating accessories furnished with your Midland CB:
- Easy removal mounting bracket system.
- Microphone bracket system.
- All main unit and microphone mounting hardware is needed for normal installation.
- Plug-in microphone with coil cord.
- FCC part 95, Subpart D.
- Owner’s Manual.
Where to locate your CB transceiver.
Your new Midland CB is designed to be installed under the dash or vertically on the console of your vehicle. Safety and convenience are the primary considerations in deciding exactly where to locate your radio.
Caution:
Be sure that the unit is located so that it does not interfere with the driver, supplemental restraint systems (airbags), or impair access to any controls. Connecting cables must be routed and secured in such a manner as not to interfere with the operation of the brake, accelerator, or other controls. Interference from either the unit or connecting cables may contribute to the loss of control of the vehicle.
Mechanical mounting.
- Step 1: Heeding the caution, use the mounting bracket as a template for marking the location of screw holes under the dash. Use an awl, nail or other sharp pointed object to mark the metal.
- Step 2: Drill a 1/8” hole for each screw hole in the mounting bracket. Attach the bracket to the dash with the Phillips head sheet metal screws provided.
Extreme care should be exercised when drilling into the dash to avoid damage to under-dash electronic ignition, cruise control, instrument, and/or accessory wiring. - Step 3: Position the main unit between the bracket arms in line with the retention knobs. Set the angle for optimum operating comfort and accessibility.
- Step 4 Tighten the retention knobs.
Power wiring ( negative ground only).
- Step 1: If you have not determined whether your vehicle has a negative or positive ground, do so now. Then disconnect the negative lead from the battery to prevent short circuits that can occur during wiring. Do not connect this transceiver to positive ground electrical systems.
- Step 2: With negative ground A.connect the positive (RED WIRE) the one with the in-line fuse holder to either the ( a ) fuse block, ( b ) cigarette lighter, or ( c ) directly to the positive post on your battery Usually, the fuse block is the most convenient connecting point. It is also possible to connect to the Accessory terminal on the fuse block or ignition switch so that your CB automatically goes off when the ignition goes off. B. Connect memory lead (ORANGE WIRE) to a constant on 12-volt supply. If none is found, connect to the positive post on your battery. C. Then tightly connect the ground (BLACK WIRE)directly to the vehicle’s metal frame. A good direct metal-to-metal ground is essential for optimum performance. , Installations using the cigarette lighter socket for power require an extra ground wire from the radio chassis to the vehicle if the radio is not fastened to a grounded part of the vehicle.
Installation of microphone hanger.
Mounting holes are provided on the microphone hanger bracket. The bracket can be attached to the vehicle dash or other convenient location.
Antenna:
How to select, position install, and tune the right one for you. You may choose from two types of mobile CB antennas – full-length whip and loaded whip – and a variety of mounts (depending on where you locate your antenna). Midland markets a broad line of high-performance antennas. The dealer who sold you your Midland CB can advise which type is best for you.
Where you locate your antenna does make a difference.
Some general rules for antenna location that can aid CB performance:
- Put your mount as high on the vehicle as possible. The higher the proportion of antenna length that is above the roof, the better.
- If possible, mount the antenna in the center of whatever surface you choose.
- Keep antenna cables away from noise sources, such as the ignition system, gauges, etc.
- Make sure you have a solid metal-to-metal ground.
- Exercise care to prevent cable damage.
Essentially, you have five location choices: the roof, gutter, rear deck, front cowl, or rear bumper. Where you decide to locate your antenna will determine the type of antenna you install. Again consult your Midland CB dealer for advice and guidance, and measure your needs against the attributes of the various Midland antenna models he carries.
Tuning your antenna.
Some antennas are factory-tuned. However, performance can usually be improved by slightly lengthening or shortening its length, using a Standing Wave Radio (SWR) meter. For the exact procedures to be used refer to the antenna manufacturer’s installation manual. You can buy an SWR meter separately or have your antenna checked by your Midland CB Dealer’s service department.
Factors affecting CB range
Essentially, they are the same influences that optimize or limit AM and FM broadcast signals.
Terrain:
Hills, valleys, and buildings naturally interrupt and shorten CB signals. In short, anything that is between you and the person you want to talk to can shorten your CB range. You can expect to maintain maximum transmitting/receiving performance in a flat, open country.
Weather:
You can expect that the CB range will be reduced – perhaps drastically – in times of atmospheric disturbance, such as in a thunderstorm or heavy snow. Sunspots too are known to adversely affect CB performance.
Noise:
A very common source of excessive noise is the ignition system. In many vehicles today the electric fuel pump is another possible source of noise. If you suspect this is true, turn off the ignition. With the CB in receive mode the noise is no longer present this is a source of the noise. In some cases, the noise can be reduced or eliminated by making sure the CB radio chassis is grounded. This is in addition to the power cord. In extreme cases, additional grounding of components might be necessary.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
- ON/OFF VOLUME: In the off position your transceiver power is off. Turn this control clockwise to switch on the unit and adjust the volume.
- SQUELCH CONTROL: Adjust this control until background noise just disappears. If the control is adjusted too far clockwise it may cause muting of weaker signals.
- ANL/OFF Switch: When turned on it operates in the receiver to reduce atmospheric and ignition noise.
- PA/CB Switch: When in PA it causes your voice to operate the optional external PA speaker. In CB the microphone operates the transmitter.
- MICROPHONE CONNECTOR: Plug in the supplied microphone to this connector.
- CHANNEL KNOB: This easy to operate control allows changing of CB channel, either up or down.
- CHANNEL INDICATOR: The LED displays the channel number.
- TX LED: an indicator for showing the unit is transmitting.
- RX LED: an indicator for showing the radio is in receive mode. Push-To-Talk bar: Press this bar to cause the radio to transmit. Hold the microphone about 2 inches from your mouth and speak in a normal voice.
BACK PANEL
- ANTENNA CONNECTOR: Connect a standard 50-ohm CB antenna to this connector.
- EXT SP: When a speaker is connected to this jack the internal speaker is by-passed. All received signals will be heard through the external speaker. The speaker connected to the “EXT” jack should be rated at 8 ohms and 5 watts.
- PA JACK An optional PA speaker may be attached to your transceiver through the PA output jack on the back panel. This allows you to communicate with pedestrians or other vehicles through your CB microphone.
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR TRANSCEIVER
You should become familiar with the controls and complete the preceding installation instructions before attempting the operation of your CB.
- Rotate the on/off volume control clockwise to turn the unit on
- Adjust the squelch control fully counter-clockwise so noise is heard.
- Adjust the volume for a normal listening level.
- Rotate the squelch control until the noise just disappears.
- Select the desired channel by rotating the channel selector.
- To transmit press the PTT bar on the side of the microphone. Hold the microphone 2 to 3 inches from your lips and speak in a normal voice.
- To receive simply release the PTT bar.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
- Frequency range ………………………………………………………………..26.965-27.405 MHz
- Channels ………………………………………………………………………………………………..40
- Modulation type ………………………………………………………………………………………AM
- Antenna impedance ……………………………………………………………………………50 Ohm
- Loudspeaker ………………………………………………………………………………………8 Ohm
- Microphone …………………………………………………………………………………..…..Electret
- Power Supply …………………………………………………………..13.8 VDC negative ground
- Size ……………………………………………………4-7/8”(W) x 6-1/2”(D) x 1-1/2”(H)
- Unit Weight…………………………………………………………………….1 lb. 10 oz
RECEIVER ( CB, 26.965-27.405 MHz )
- Sensitivity at 10db S/N…………………………………………………………………………..0.7 uV
- Selectivity ……………………………………………………………………………….45 dB + 10 kHz
- Squelch range …………………………………………………………………………..0.5 uV-500 uV
- Audio output power …………………………………………..3.0 W @ 8 Ohm ( 10% distortion)
- Distortion at 1000 mV ………………………………………………………………………………..3%
- Audio frequency response ………………………………………………………………400-2400 Hz
- Intermediate frequency ……………………………………………….I ° 10.635 MHz II ° 455 kHz
- Spurious response ………………………………………………………. ………….more than 45 dB
TRANSMITTER
- RF Output Power ……………………………………………………………………………………4.0 W
- Frequency Tolerance ……………………………………………………………………………..0.005%
- Harmonic Suppression ………………………………………………………………..More than 60 dB
- Modulation ……………………………………………………………………………….AM 90% ( ± 5%)
SERVICE
If it ever becomes necessary to return your unit for service: Pack the unit in its original box and packing, Improper packing may result in damage during shipment. Be sure to remove the microphone from the radio before packing. Include a full description of any problems. Include a DAY TIME telephone number in the event we need more information. Include a Money Order, cashier’s Check or Master Card, and Visa for $ 7.50 to cover shipping and handling.
You do not need to return accessory items (brackets, screws, power cord, antenna, etc.) unless they may be directly related to the problem. Include a photocopy of the bill of sale or other proof of purchase showing the date of sale. (credit card statements are not acceptable)This information must be included before warranty service can be considered.
A flat rate charge of 45 dollars will apply to radios not covered by the Warranty. Master cards, Visa, or Money Orders will be accepted for payment only. Personal checks will not be accepted and will delay the repair of your radio until we receive payment by approved methods.
Midland Consumer Radio inc. Hereby certifies that this unit has been designed, manufactured, FCC type accepted and certified in accordance with part 95 and Part 15, Subpart C of the current FCC rules and regulations as of the date of manufacture
LIMITED WARRANTY
Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any Midland FRS/GMRS transceiver that fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within Three Years following the initial consumer purchase. This warranty does not apply to water damage, battery leak, or abuse. Accessories have a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase, including any antennas, chargers, or earphones.
This warranty does not include the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of the product in a vehicle or other mounting. Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, prepaid freight, along with proof of purchase to:
- Midland Radio Corporation
- Warranty Service Department
- 5900 Parretta Drive
- Kansas City, MO 64120
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. Note: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United States of America or any of the territories or possessions thereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange
