Cobra 29 LX BT CB, 29 LX BT Operating Instructions Manual
How to Use Your Cobra 29 LX BT
Contents
Features ..................................................................................................................1
The CB Story ..........................................................................................................A1
FCC Regulations, FCC Warnings & Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators .........................................................................................A2
Our Thanks to You ..............................................................................................A3
Customer Support
Installation
Location & Mounting/Connection ...........................................................2
Antennas
CB Antenna & Marine Installation ............................................................6
Ignition Noise Interference.............................................................................7
Operating Your 29 LX BT
Turning On Your CB ......................................................................................8
Setting Channel Selector.............................................................................9
Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio).............................................10
To Receive .........................................................................................................12
Selecting a Channel ......................................................................................13
S-Meter ...............................................................................................................13
To Transmit.......................................................................................................14
Setting Dynamike® ..............................................................................................15
Menu Mode ......................................................................................................16
Setting the Clock ............................................................................................17
Setting the Alarm .................................................................................................17
Setting the Count Down Timer .................................................................18
Key Tones Mode ...................................................................................................18
Radio Check Mode ...............................................................................................19
Setting Display Color Mode .......................................................................20
Setting Brightness Mode .............................................................................21
Setting Contrast Mode .......................................................................................21
Turn NightWatch Illumination On/Off ..........................................................21
Bluetooth Pairing .................................................................................................22
Turn Bluetooth Off .........................................................................................24
Weather Information ..........................................................................................25
Weather Channels .........................................................................................25
Weather Alert Mode ......................................................................................26
Setting Weather Alert Scan ........................................................................26
Setting Weather Auto Scan ........................................................................26
Software version/Factory Settings ..........................................................27
NB-ANL/Off (Noise Blanker/Automatic Noise Limiter Switch) ......28
Setting Delta Tune .........................................................................................28
RF Gain Control ...............................................................................................28 .
Program Memory Channels .............................................................................29
Scan/Memory Scan ........................................................................................30
Scan Memory Channels ...............................................................................30
Scan CB Channels ..........................................................................................30
Dimmer Control ..............................................................................................30
Setting Squelch...............................................................................................31
S/RF Meter ........................................................................................................32
External Speaker .............................................................................................33
External Push-to-Talk Jack ..........................................................................33
External Mic Jack ............................................................................................33 .
Home And Office Set-Up ...................................................................................34
Temporary Mobile Set-Up ..........................................................................35
How Your CB Can Serve You ..........................................................................36
A Few Rules You Should Know .................................................................36
Channel 9 Emergency Messages ..............................................................36
CB 10 Codes .....................................................................................................38
Frequency Ranges ..............................................................................................40
29 LX BT Specifications ....................................................................................41
Warranty Information .......................................................................................42
Optional Accessories .........................................................................................43
If You Need Service/Trademark Info ........................................Back Cover
Features of This Product
• Selectable 4-Color LCD Display
• Advanced Bluetooth® Connectivity
• NightWatch® Illumination
• 10 Weather Channels
• Weather Scan
• Emergency Weather Alert
• 40 CB Radio Channels
• 40 Channel Scan
• Memory Channels
• Channel Frequency Read-Out
• Radio Check Diagnostic
• Clock/Timer/Alarm
• Heavy-Duty Dynamic
Microphone with Phone Function
• Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output
• SWR Calibration Meter
• Instant Channel 19 and 9
• Front Panel 6-Pin Microphone
Connector
• Switchable Automatic Noise
Limiter & Noise Blanker
• Adjustable Dynamike Boost
• Tactile Controls
• 9 Ft Mic Cord
• Programmable Dimmer Control
• RF Gain
• USB Output
• External Push-To-Talk Jack
• External Microphone Jack
Bluetooth® Features
• Dual Point Bluetooth®
• Caller I.D.
• A2DP Audio Streaming
• Auto Phone Book Download
1
Installation
Installation
Location
32
Mounting and
Connection
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.
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.
Note
The transceiver is held in the
universal mounting bracket by
two thumbscrews which allow
for adjustment at a convenient
angle.
The bracket includes two selftapping screws and star washers. The mounting must be
mechanically strong, conveniently located.
continued
Drill the holes and secure the bracket.
2
1
Connect the antenna cable plug to the recep-
tacle marked “ANT” on the back of the unit.
3
ANT
FCC ID:BBO3K229LTD
COBRA
MADE IN CHINA
EXT MIC EXT. PTT EXT.SP.
+POWER–
USB
29LXBT_MANL.indd 2-3 6/8/12 10:20 AM
Installation
54
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.
Note
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
When connected to an accessory fuse, unit will self test
the emergency weather alert
automatically when ignition
is turned on. Turns itself on & off.
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
convenient location with a good electrical
contact (remove paint) may be used.
4
5
Plug 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 supplied. Bracket should be
placed under the dash
so microphone is readily
accessible.
6
7
Attach the microphone cable to receptacle on
front of unit and install unit in bracket securely.
8
ANT
FCC ID:BBO3K229L
TD
COBRA
MADE IN CHINA
EXT MIC EXT. PTT EXT.SP.
+POWER–
USB
SWR/CAL
NB/ANL
VOL SQ DYNAMIK
ERF GAIN DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFF MIN
MI
NOFFMAX
ESC
MEM SCAN
S/RF
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
SIG
RF
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
TX
RX
NB/ANL
MEMWX !
ANL
S/RF
SWR
CAL
R
CH 9/
19
CB/WX
DIM
SCAN
Installation
Note
If microphone is not
connected, audio will not
be heard at speaker.
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ANT
FCC ID:BBO3K229LTD
COBRA
MADE IN CHINA
EXT MIC EXT. PTT EXT.SP.
+POWER–
USB
Ignition Noise Interference
Antennas
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 LX BT 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.
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. For models with Weather Feature (WX),
a Dual Band (Center Load/Base Load) antenna
is recommended. 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
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.
CB Antenna
7
Note
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, if the 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 773889-3087 for further information.
6
1
A standard antenna connector is provided
on the transceiver for easy connection.
29LXBT_MANL.indd 6-7 6/8/12 10:20 AM
Press the CB/WX button to change modes.
Operation
9
Operation
Turning On
Setting Channel
Selector
8
Turning On
Make sure the power cord, antenna and microphone are connected to their proper connectors
before starting.
Setting Channel Selector
1
F GAIN DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
ESC
MEM SCAN
E
N
T
E
R
MEMWX !
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
2
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to
turn unit on and adjust to a normal listening
level.
Select one of forty channels and adjust
volume. The selected channel (1 through
40) will be indicated by the readout directly
above the channel selector knob
3
SWR/CAL
NB/ANL
VOL SQ DYNAMIK
ER
F G
A
OFF MIN
MIN
S/RF
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
SIG
RF
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
TX
RX
NB/ANL
MEMWX !
ANL
S/RF
SWR
CAL
R
Note
Press CB/WX to select CB or
weather channel modes.
SWR/CAL
NB/ANL
VOL SQ DYNAMIKE
OFF MIN
S/RF
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
SIG
RF
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
TX
RX
NB/ANL
M
E
ANL
S/RF
SWR
CAL
R
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While holding mic
button adjust the
SWR CAL knob so
the meter swings
to the CAL mark on
the meter (located
on the right).
Operation
Operation
Calibrate For
SWR (Standing
Wave Ratio)
1110
continued
Note
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
higher on Channels 1 and 40
compared to Channel 20.
Push and hold mic button.
Press SWR/CAL button to select CAL.
2
1
3
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.
PUSH &
HOLD
Select channel 20.
4
SQ DYNAMIK
ER
F GAIN
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MIN
MI
NOFF
MAX
ESC
MEM SCAN
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
SIG
RF
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
RX
MEMWX !
CH 9/
19
CB/WX /
DIM
SCAN
PA
F GAIN DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MI
NO
FFMAX
ESC
MEM SCAN
N
T
E
R
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
R
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Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise.
The RX icon will be displayed.
Repeat the same steps two through five on
Channel 1 and 40. This will check SWR for all
channels.
The S/RF-SWR-CAL switch must be in the S/RF
setting to read the meter.
6
Release the PTT button, press and release the
S/RF-SWR CAL button to the SWR position.
Then press the PTT button to read the SWR
reading.
5
Operation
13
Operation
12
1
Note
When switched to SWR
mode the meter reading
should ideally be as far to the
left as possible. Anything over
3 is not acceptable. A slight
antenna height adjustment
(higher or lower) may be
required. Repeat recalibration
steps.
S-Meter
S-Meter
Swings proportionately to strength of incoming
signal when receiving.
Unit should be in CB mode. Rotate channel
selector clockwise or counter-clockwise to select
desired channel.
1
Selecting A
Channel
Selecting A Channel
To Receive
1
To Receive
R
Calibrate for
SWR continued
R
DYNAMIK
ER
F GAIN DE
L
MIN
MI
NM
AX
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
IG
+30dB
1
3
5
7
9
RX
MEM
OL SQ DYNAMIKE
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
SIG
RF
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
RX
S/RF
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PUSH &
HOLD
Setting Dynamike®
This controls the microphone sensitivity
(outgoing audio level).
To Transmit
15
To Transmit
14
Setting
Dynamike
®
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 F.C.C. Rules
and Regulations included with
this unit before transmitting.
Operation
Operation
3
Select desired channel.
1
Initially, set fully clockwise so that maximum
voice volume is available. Dynamike may
have to be reduced in some conditions.
2
Transmit
Push and hold mic button to transmit.
Transmitter is now activated. When transmitting, hold the microphone two inches from
your mouth and speak in a clear, normal voice.
Release to receive.
SWR/CAL
NB/ANL
VOL SQ DYNAMIKE
OFF MIN
S/RF
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
SIG
RF
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
TX
RX
NB/ANL
M
ANL
S/RF
SWR
CAL
Setting
TalkBack
Setting TalkBack
This control is used to adjust the desired amount
of modulation talk back is present at the speaker
during transmit.
At fully counter-clockwise position the TalkBack
is Off.
RF GAINDELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MI
NO
FFMAX
ESC
MEM SCAN
MEM WX !
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
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