Cobra_148nwst Cb Tranciever_manual
Have a look at the manual Cobra_148nwst Cb Tranciever_manual online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 42 Cobra manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
How to Use Your Cobra 148 NW STContents Features..................................................................................................1 The CB Story.........................................................................................A1 FCC Regulations FCC Warnings Included Accessories Controls & Indicators.......................................................................A2 Our Thanks to You.............................................................................A3 SoundTracker™ Customer Support Installation Location.............................................................................................2 Mounting and Connection.........................................................2 Antennas CB Antenna.......................................................................................6 Marine Installation.........................................................................6 Ignition Noise Interference..........................................................7 Operating Your 148 NW ST Turning On Your CB........................................................................8 Setting Channel Selector.............................................................9 To Receive..........................................................................................10 S-Meter...............................................................................................10 SoundTracker™ System................................................................11 Activating SoundTracker™ ..........................................................12 NB, Off,(Noise Blanker/Limiter) Switch...................................13 Dimmer Switch................................................................................14 RF Gain Control................................................................................14 Setting Squelch...............................................................................16 To Transmit........................................................................................20 RF Meter.............................................................................................21 External Speaker.............................................................................22 PA (Public Address)........................................................................23 Home And Office Set-Up.............................................................25 Temporary Mobile Set-up............................................................26 How Your CB Can Serve You..........................................................27 A Few Rules You Should Know..................................................27 Channel 9 Emergency Messages..............................................27 CB 10 Codes......................................................................................29 Frequency Ranges.............................................................................31 148 NW ST Specifications..............................................................32 Warranty Information.....................................................................33 Optional Accessories.......................................................................34 Order Form...........................................................................................36 If You Think You Need Service...................................Back CoverFeatures of This Product •40 CB Radio Channels •80 SSB Channels • SoundTracker™ System • Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone • Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Ou t p u t •12 Watts SSB RF Power Output •Instant Channel 9 • Front Panel 4-Pin Microphone Connector • Switchable Noise Blanker • Adjustable Dynamike Boost • Tactile Controls •SWRCalibration Meter •RF Gain •9 Ft Mic Cord •Illuminated Front Panel • Dimmer Control1 CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE P E R S O N N E L CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN! !148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:11 PM Page 1
Installation Installation Location32 Mounting and ConnectionMounting and Connection Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in the exact desired location.If there is no inter- ference, remove the bracket and use it as a template to mark the location for the mount- ing screws.Location Plan location of transceiver and microphone bracket before starting the installation. Select a location that is convenient for operation, yet does not inte rfe re with the dri ver or passenger. The transceiver is usually mounted to the under- side of the dash with the microphone bracket beside it. Note The transceiver is held in the universal mounting bracket by four thumbscrews which allow for adjustment at a convenient angle. The bracket includes two self- tapping screws and star wash- ers. The mounting must be mechanically strong, conve- niently located. continued Drill the holes and secure the bracket.21 Connect the antenna cable plug to the recep- tacle marked “ANT”on the back of the unit.3148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:11 PM Page 2
Installation Installation54Note Connecting to an accessory fuse prevents the unit from being left on accidentally,and also per- mits operating the unit without running the engine. Note In positive ground vehicles the red wire goes to the chassis and the black wire is connected to the ignition switch. Note Before installing the CB radio, visually check the vehicle’s battery connection to deter- mine which terminal,positive or negative,is grounded (pos- itive is the larger of the two) to the engine block (or chas- sis).A negatively grounded vehicle has its negative lead grounded to the chassis.In a negative grounded vehicle, connect the red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory 12 volt fuse. Connect the black lead to the negative side of the vehicle. This is usually the chassis. Any con- venient location with a good electrical contact (remove paint) may be used.45Plug power cable into back of unit marked “Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings. Mount the microphone bracket on either side of the unit (driver’s left) using two screws sup- plied. Bracket should be placed under the dash so microphone is readily accessible.67Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to recepta- cle on front of unit and Install unit in bracket securely.8148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 4
Ignition Noise Interference AntennasUse of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is normally limited by the presence of electrical noise. The primary source of noise in automobiles is from the alternator and ignition system. Typically,when signal level is adequate,the back- ground noise does not present a serious problem. Also,when extremely low level signals are being received,the transceiver may be operated with the vehicle’s engine turned off. The unit requires very little current and therefore will not signifi- cantly discharge the vehicle’s battery. Even though the Cobra 148 NW ST has an auto- matic noise limiter,in some installations ignition interference may be high enough to make good communications impossible. Many possibilities exist and variations between vehicles require different solutions. Consult your COBRA dealer or a 2-way radio technician for help in locating the source of a severe noise. 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 773.889.3087 and speak to a Cobra representative. Marine Installation The transceiver will not operate at maximum effi- ciency in a boat without a ground plate,(unless it has a steel hull).Before attempting installation , consult your dealer for information regarding an adequate grounding system and prevention of electrolysis between fittings in the hull and water. CB Antenna7 Note For optimum performance in passenger cars the ideal anten- na location is on the center of the roof. Second choice is on the center of the trunk. Note Because many newer trucks feature fiberglass door skins,the outside mirror must be ground- ed to the chassis via a ground strap if the antenna is mounted on mirror bracket. Note 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.Call 773- 889-3087 for further informa- tion.61 A standard antenna connector is provided on the transceiver for easy connection.148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 6
The CB/PA button should be in the CB position.Operation9Operation Turning OnSetting Channel Selector 8Turning On Make sure the power cord,antenna and micro- phone are connected to their proper connectors before starting.Setting Channel Selector 21 Ro t ate the On/Off Volume knob c l oc kw i s eto a normal listening level.Selectone of forty channels and adjust volume. The selected channel is indicated by the LED readout directly above the channel selector knob1148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 8
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise the green RT/TX LED will be illuminated.Operation11Operation10 S-MeterTo Receive1 To ReceiveThe S/RF-SWR-CAL switch must be in the S/RF position to read the meter.1 S-Meter Swings proportionately to strength of incoming signal when receiving.The SoundTrackerTM System While previous systems only “blanket out”or limit noise in higher sound frequencies,the revolution- ary new SoundTrackerTM System actually reduces noise while leaving the signal intact in the recep- tion 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 SoundTrackerTM Works On Reception - “Cuts noise coming in” With a normal CB,distant signals fall below the squelch level and are unintelligible. With a SoundTrackerTM 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 SoundTrackerTM 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.148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 10
Operation Operation1312 Activating SoundTracker™Push and releasethe ST button.Red LED is illuminated when SoundTracker™ is turned on.1 Activating SoundTracker™NB-ANL/ANL/ OFF (Noise Blanker/ Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch Hi/Low/ Tone ControlHi/Low Tone ControlNote The RF Noise Bl a n ker is ve ry e f fe ct i ve in reducing re pe t i t i ve noises such as ignition i n te rfe re n ce. The Automatic Noise Limiter helps reduce noise created by the vehicle’s electronics.NB-ANL/ANL/OFF (Noise Blanker/Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch to When switc h e d, this button is used to shape the audio re s ponse to the ope rato r’s pre fe re n ce. 1When switchedtoANL the Automatic Noise Limiter is activated. This helps reduce noise created by the vehicle’s electronics. When switchedtoNB/ANL position the RF Noise Blanker is also activated,providing increased noise filtration. When switchedtoOFF position all noise filtration will be turned off.1148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 12
Operation Operation1514 RF Gain ControlRF Gain Control The RF Gain is used to optimize reception in strong or weak signal areas. Dimmer ControlDimmer Control Controls the brightness of the front panel,signal strength meter and channel displayNote The RF Gain is used to optimize reception in weak signal areas. Rotatethe RF Gain knob counterclockwise to reduce gain in strong signal areas.In weak signal areas turnclockwiseto increase gain. For maximum brightness turnclockwise; counterclockwisefor minimum illumination1Select mode of operation from USB to AM to LSB Voice Lock USB/AM/LSB Switch1to Ro t ate to cl ari fy re ce i ve r’s f re q u e n c i e s a bove and be l ow assig ned f re q u e n c i e s. Pri m a rily us ed to tune SS B s ig nals as we l l as op tim izi ng AM sign als . 1148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 14
Full clockwiserotation closes the gate allowing only very strong signals to enter.To achieve the Desired Squelch Setting (DSS), turn the Squelch control counterclockwise until you hear noise. Now turn the control clockwisejust until the noise stops. This is the DSS setting.Setting Squelch Squelch is the “control gate” for incoming signals.1716OperationOperation13Gate set to Desired Squelch Setting (DSS) Gate closed Setting SquelchFull counterclockwiserotation opens the “gate”allowing all signals in.2Gate open148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 16
While holdingmic button adjustthe SWR CAL knob so the meter needle swings to the CAL tmark on the meter (located on the right).If optimum signal is not achieved (less than 3) a slight adjustment to the length of the antenna must be made. Recalibrate. Repeat the same steps on Channel 1 and 40. Continue holding the mic button and turn the SWR CAL knob to the SWR position for SWR measurement.Operation Operation Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)1918Note Calibration must be made in an open area (never in a garage). Vehicle doors must be closed. No one should be standing near the antenna.(See your antenna directions for more complete information). Note The reading will be slightly high- er on Channels 1 and 40 com- pared 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 accept- able.A slight antenna height adjustment (higher or lower) may be required. Repeat recali- bration step. Note SWR calibration is done to prop- erly adjust the length of the antenna and to monitor the quality of the coaxial cable and all RF connections. This calibration is critical in order to achieve optimum per- formance. Push and holdmic button. Switchto the CAL position.213 Calibrate for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) Selectchannel 20.456148 NW ST manual 3.3 6/15/99 3:12 PM Page 18