The transceiver is held in
the universal mounting bracket
by two thumbscrews which
allow for adjustment at a
convenient angle.
The bracket includes two
self-tapping screws and star
washers.The mounting must be
mechanically strong,
conveniently located.
Location
Plan location of 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.
Mounting and Connection
1
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.
Connecting to an accessory fuse
prevents the unit from being left
on accidentally, and also
permits 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
determine which terminal,
positive or negative, is
grounded (positive is the
larger of the two) to the
engine block (or chassis). A
negatively grounded vehicle
has its negative lead
grounded to the chassis.
4
In a negative grounded vehicle, connect the
red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory
12 volt fuse.
5
Connect the black lead to the negative side of
the vehicle. This is usually the chassis. Any
convenient location with a good electrical
contact (remove paint) may be used.
Plug power cable into back of unit marked
“Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.
7
Mount the microphone
bracket on either side of
the unit (driver’s left)
using two screws
supplied. Bracket should
be placed under the dash
so microphone is readily
accessible.
8
Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to
receptacle, on the front of unit and install unit
on bracket securely.
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.
Note
Because many newer trucks
feature fiberglass door skins, the
outside mirror must be
grounded to the chassis via a
ground strap when antenna is
mounted on the 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 information.
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.
1
A standard antenna connector is provided
on the transceiver for easy connection.
Marine Installation
The transceiver will not operate at maximum
efficiency 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.
Use 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
background 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 significantly discharge the vehicle’s battery.
Even though the Cobra 29 LTD BC has an
automatic 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.
Antenna Indicator LED
will illuminate when TX if
SWR is high.
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 in order to achieve
optimum performance.
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
3
Push and hold mic button.
information).
4
While holding mic
button adjust the
SWR CAL knob so the
meter needle swings
to the CAL ▼ mark on
the meter (located on the right).
The reading will be slightly
higher on Channels 1 and 40
compared to Channel 20.
5
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 relcalibration
steps.
While still holding down the mic button, set
the S/RF SWR CAL switch to the SWR position,
to read the SWR reading.
6
Repeat the same steps two through five
on Channel 1 and 40. This will check SWR for
all channels.
Fullcounterclockwise rotation opens the
“gate” allowing all signals in.
3
To achieve the Desired Squelch Setting (DSS),
turn the Squelch controlcounterclockwise
until you hear noise. Now turn the control
clockwise just until the noise stops. This is the
DSS setting.
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 F.C.C.Rules
and Regulations included with
this unit before transmitting.
Setting
Dynamike
®
To Transmit
1
Select desiredchannel.
Setting Dynamike®
This controls the microphone sensitivity
(outgoing audio level).
1
Initially, set fullyclockwise so that maximum
voice volume is available.Dynamike® may have
to be reduced in some conditions.
Push and hold mic button to transmit.Transmitter
is now activated.Whentransmitting, hold the
microphone two inches from your mouth and
speak in a clear, normal voice.Release to receive.
Setting TalkBack
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.
The external speaker jack is used for remote
receiver monitoring.
1
Connect an external speaker to the external
speaker jack on the rear panel.
External Speaker
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.
Base Station
Operation
(From 120V AC
House Current)
Warning!
Do not attempt to operate this
transceiver by connecting it
directly to 120v ac.
Note
For further information call
Cobra Customer Service
773.889.3087.
Base Station Operation
(From 120V AC House Current)
To operate your 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.
1
Simply connect the red (+) and black (-)
leads of the transceiver to the corresponding
terminals of the power pack.
Plug power cable into back of unit marked
“Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.
3
Connect 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.
with another station. A one minute break is
required to let others use the channel.
B. You cannot blast others off the air by use of
illegally amplified transmitters or illegally
high antennas.
C. You cannot use CB to promote illegal activities.
D. Profanity is not allowed.
E. You may not transmit music with a CB.
F. Selling of merchandise and/or services is
prohibited.
Channel 9
Emergency
Messages
Note
If no response on channel 9,
try channels 19 or 14.
1. Set to channel 9 for emergencies
Be sure antenna is properly connected.
2. CB Distress Data
When transmitting an emergency, you should
request a “REACT BASE” and provide the CB
distress data (called CLIP):
C all SignIdentify yourself.
L ocationBe exact.
I njuriesNumber.Type.Trapped?
P roblemGive details and help needed.
Transmit CLIP repeatedly so any monitor can assist.
Citizen Bands have adopted the “10-CODES” for
standard questions and answers. These codes
provide quick and easy communication,especially
in noisy areas. Following are some of the more
common codes and meanings:
CodeMeaning
10-1Receiving poorly
10-2Receiving well
10-3Stop transmitting
10-4OK,message received
10-5Relay message
10-6Busy, stand by
10-7Out of service, leaving
10-8In service, subject to call
10-9Repeat message
10-10Transmission completed standing by
10-11Talking too rapidly
10-12Visitors present
10-13Advise weather/roads
10-16Make pick up at
10-17Urgent business
10-18Anything for us?
10-19Return to base
10-20My location is
10-21Call by phone
10-22Report in person to
10-23Stand by
10-24Completed last assignment
10-25Can you contact
10-26Disregard last info
10-27Moving to channel
10-28Identify your station
The COBRA 29 LTD BC transceiver represents one of
the most advanced AM two-way radios used as a
Class D station in the Citizens Radio Service. This
unit features advanced Phase Lock Loop (PLL)
circuitry providing complete coverage of all 40
CB channels.
ChannelChannel
CBFreq.CBFreq.
Channel In MHzChannel In MHz
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 one (1) year 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,
Cobra Electronics
Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago,Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer
purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship
the product for warranty service, but the return charges
will be at Cobra's expense, if the product is repaired or
replaced under warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply;
1) to any product damaged by accident; 2) in the
event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of
unauthorized alterations or repairs; 3) if the serial number
has been altered, defaced or removed; 4) if the owner of
the product resides outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
COBRA shall not be liable for any incidental,
consequential or other damages; including, without
limitation, damagesresulting fromlossof use or cost of
installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations
may not apply to you.
You can find quality Cobra products and
accessories at your local Cobra dealer, or in the
U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra. See
ordering info on page 37.
youby answering the most frequently asked questions about Cobra products.
(773) 889-3087
A Consumer Service Representative can be reached at 773.889.3087
8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, Central Time.
Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) section at www.cobra.com or by e-mail to productinfo@cobra.com
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you think you need service call 773.889.3087
“If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before sending your unit in.
This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair.”
You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the
following in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction
or carbon or a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit. Include a typed or clearly print name
and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4. Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or
First Class Mail: to avoid loss in transit to: Cobra Factory Service,Cobra Electronics Corporation,
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 USA.
6. If the unit is in warranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or exchanged
depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us for
status. If the unit is out of warranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the
repair charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions, please call 773.889.3087 for
assistance.
Cobra®, Dynamike®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® and the snake design are registered
trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
The Citizens Band lies between the shortwave
broadcast and 10-meter Amateur radio bands,
and was established by law in 1949. The Class D
two-way communications service was opened in
1959. (CB also includes a Class A citizens band
2
and Class C remote control frequencies.)
1
FCC regulations permit only “transmissions”
(one party to another) rather than “broadcasts”
(to a wide audience).Thus, advertising is not
allowed on CB Channels because that is
“broadcasting.”
FCC Warnings
FCC Regulations
All transmitter adjustments other than those
3
4
supplied by the manufacturer as front panel
operating controls, must be made by, or under
the supervision of, the holder of an FCC-issued
general Radio-Telephone Operator’s License.
Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular
diodes or other parts of a unique nature, with
parts other than those recommended by Cobra,
may cause violation of the technical regulations
of Part 95 of the FCC Rules, or violation of Type
Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules.
You should read and understand Part 95 (included
with this unit) of the FCC Rules and Regulations,
before operating your Cobra radio, even though
the FCC no longer requires you to obtain an
operator’s license.
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra 29 LTD BC CB
Radio. Properly used, this Cobra product will give
you many years of reliable service.
Customer Support
Should you encounter any problems with the
product or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner’s manual. If , after
referring to the manual, you still need help,
call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.
Cobra Customer Service
Live operators are available
M-F 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Central
Time at: 773.889.3087
Automated Technical Assistance
available 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. E-mail questions
to: productinfo@cobra.com
Cobra on the World Wide Web:
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) can be found on-line at:
www.cobra.com