Cobra 36ST Service Manual

Citizens Band

2-way

Handheld

CB Radio

“Ingenious Products for

Easier Communication.”

Operating instructions
for your

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

6500 W. Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707

Printed in Thailand Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1997 Part no. 480-197-P-001

3366ST

HHHH

CITIZENS BAND
2-WAY HANDHELD RADIO

CONTENTS:

Introduction ........................................3

SoundTracker....................................3

Features............................................3

Technical Support and service..........3

Controls and Indicators....................5

The CB Story....................................6

FCC Warnings ..................................6

Included with your 36ST......................7

Getting Started ....................................8

Antenna ............................................8

Battery Chamber ..............................8

Operation ............................................9

Turning your Hand-Held CB on ........9

Setting the Squelch............................9

Selecting a channel ........................10

LED Display....................................10

Transmit / Receive ..........................10

Power High/Low ............................11

NiCad Battery Charging..................11

How SoundTracker Works ............10A

Activating SoundTracker ..............11A

Testing SoundTracker....................11A

NiCad Battery Disposal ..................14

In Vehicle Use ................................15

How your CB can serve you ..............16

Never Used A CB Before? ..............16

A few rules you should know ..........17

Channel 9 Emergency Messages ....18

CB 10 Codes ..................................19

Frequency Ranges ..............................20

Specifications ....................................21

If You Think You Need Service............22

Warranty Information ........................23

Optional Accessories ..........................24

How to use your

MODEL

3366ST

HHHH

3INTRODUCTION

Cobra proudly introduces the first Patent Pending technology that dramatically
improves the transmission and reception of CB radio signals.

This revolutionary system reconfigures the transmission signal which allows it to be
transferred more effectively through cluttered airwaves. It literally “punches” your
message through the hundreds of thousands of signals that are in the air. At the same
time, SoundT r ac ker system dynamically adjusts the relationship between the signal
and static commonly referred to as noise. This allows Cobra’s SoundTr ackersystem to
significantly reduce the amount of static on all incoming CB signals. The system can
be further optimized when two SoundTracker CB’s are used to talk to each other.

The end result is a clearer, cleaner sounding reception of signals and more pow­erful transmissions which

dramatically

improve CB communications.

The 36ST is designed to give you consistent, outstanding performance in virtually
all conditions and situations. To insure you get the most from the Cobra 36ST,
please read this operating guide carefully before using the unit.

FEATURES

-Full 4 Watts Power Output -40 CB Radio Channels

-High Efficiency Flexible Antenna -SoundTracker™ System

-Battery Saver Circuitry -Low Battery Indicator

-High \ Low Power Switch -BNC Antenna Connector

-Transmission/Receive Indicators -Charging Jack

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk

which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked

questions about Cobra products.

[phone]

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A Consumer Service Representative can be

reached through this same number

8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.

Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently

Asked Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail

to [e-mail]

4

PTT

2

3

414

6

1

7

8

9

13

12

5

11

10

CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS

5

1. BNC Antenna Connector

2. Squelch Control

3. On/Off Volume Control

4. Belt Clip

5. High & Low Power

6. Channel Up Key

7. Channel Down Key

8. PTT (Push To Talk) Key

9. Battery Chamber

10. Charging Jack

11. DC Power Jack

12. LED Display Panel

13. Microphone

14. SoundTracker Switch

76

INCLUDED WITH YOUR 36ST

1. High Efficiency
Antenna

2. Belt Clip

THE CB STORY

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 and Class C remote control frequencies.)

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

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.

Citizens Band (CB) Radio operators are no longer required to obtain an FCC
license to operate their CB equipment or provide station identification.

Nevertheless, an operator of a CB radio station is still required to comply
with the communications act and with the rules of CB Radio Operation.

BATTERIES

Insert (10) new “AA” Alkaline or NiCad bat­teries (not provided) into the battery cham­ber.
To install batteries, (1) remove the battery
chamber cover from the unit. (2) Install the
batteries according to the polarity markings
provided on the chamber. Note: Incorrect
battery installation can damage the batter­ies and chamber. (3) Return battery cham­ber cover.

Alkaline batteries:

Top grade Alkaline batteries
should be used.

9

8

OPERATION

TURNING ON/SQUELCH

TURNING YOUR
HANDHELD CB ON

Rotate the power ON-OFF
Volume Control clockwise.

Open the squelch by fully turn­ing counterclockwise
and adjust the volume to
a comfortable level.

SETTING THE SQUELCH

Think of your squelch control
as a gate for incoming signals.
If you turn the squelch control
fully clockwise, you effectively
close the “gate” and no signals
will pass through. If you turn
the squelch control fully counter­clockwise, you
open the gate and all
signals come through.

To achieve the Desired Squelch
Setting (DSS), turn the squelch
control counterclockwise until
you just hear noise. Then turn the
squelch control back clockwise
just until the noise stops. This
DSS setting only lets strong sig­nals through.

ANTENNA

Attach antenna securely
by turning clockwise.

GETTING STARTED

**See Accessories

on page 22
for rechargeable
battery pack option.

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) Batteries:

Batteries with 700 mAh minimum recom­mended. Top Grade NiCad batteries can
be ordered direct from Cobra. See page
22 for details.

PTT

PTT

PTT

LED DISPLAY

TRANSMIT / RECEIVE

To transmit, push the PTT button.
The Red TX LED will be displayed
during transmissions.

Hold the 36ST about 2 inches from
your mouth.

Speak into the microphone in a normal
voice.

Release the PTT button to receive incoming
transmissions.

**Note: While the PTT button is depressed,

you cannot receive transmissions.
The Green RX LED is displayed
when the radio is in receive mode.

1110

OPERATION

POWER HI-LO/BATTERY RECHARGING

OPERATION

SELECT CHANNEL/DISPLAY/TRANSMIT

SELECTING A CHANNEL

Turn on your 36ST.
To select a higher channel, push the UP

arrow key.
To select a lower channel, push the DOWN

arrow key.
**Note: To quick advance channels, press and

hold the selection key.

•Red LED for TRANSMIT (TX)

•Green LED for RECEIVE (RX)

•Red BATT LOW Indicator

•Red SoundTracker™ “ON” Indicator

POWER HIGH / LOW

To reduces power output to 1 watt,
and extend battery life, switch the H/L
power key to the LOW position.

To return to full power, switch the H/L
power key to the HIGH position.

**Note: Reduce power setting reduces

the range of your 36ST.

NI-CAD BATTERY RECHARGING

Caution: Use only the Cobra A C Charger

with your 36ST, so as to avoid the possi­bility of improper charging, damage to
the batteries, the unit, or an injury from
burn or explosion of the battery or charg­er . DO NOT CHARGE ALKALINE BAT-

TERIES. THEY MA Y EXPLODE OR LEAK.
YOU CANNOT RECHARGE ALKALINE
BATTERIES.

To recharge NiCad batteries, first insert
the plug from the charger into the
charge jack then plug charger into AC
outlet. To charge batteries fully will take
14 hours.

Battery suppliers specify that NiCad
batteries may be recharged up to 1,000
times or more under normal conditions.

There are variations in batteries from
brand to brand even as to size of batter­ies. Cobra recommends that you use
NiCad batteries rated at a minimum of
700mAh for maximum operation time.
You may wish to order them from Cobra
(see order form at back of this manual
for details).

OPERATION

ACTIVATING / TESTING SOUNDTRACKER

SOUNDTRACKER SYSTEM

While previous systems only “blanked out” or limited noise in higher
sound frequencies, the revolutionary new 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 by 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.

11A

10A

OPERATION

HOW SOUNDTRACKER WORKS

ACTIVATING SOUNDTRACKER

1. Switch the SoundTracker toggle to ON

position.

TESTING SOUNDTRACKER

1. Select any unused channel on your CB.

2. Open the squelch fully by turning the knob

counter-clockwise until it stops.

3. Turn the volume up louder than your
normal listening level.

4. Switch the SoundTracker toggle off and on.
Notice the significant reduction in noise.

1312

OPERATION

IN VEHICLE USE

OPERATION

BATTERY DISPOSAL

BATTERY DISPOSAL

When no longer capable of holding a
charge, rechargeable nickel cadmium
(Ni-Cad) batteries must be recycled or
disposed of properly in compliance
with all applicable laws. Certain states
or municipalities require recycling
and have established collection pro­grams. Please contact your local waste
removal authority for instructions.

DO NOT PUT BATTERIES INTO FIRE
OR EXPOSE TO HIGH HEAT. THEY
MAY EXPLODE.

IN VEHICLE USE

Your 36ST can be connected
to a 12 volt power source with
the cigarette power cord adapter
provided. Connect adapter
as shown.

**Note: Due to the characteristics of

CB transmissions, it may be
difficult to transmit and
receive from inside your car.
Roof mounted antennas can
dramatically improve trans­missions and will increase
your range. You will need a
quality roof mount antenna
and a BNC/SO239 adapter.
See accessories section for
details.

1514

OPERATION

A FEW RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW

OPERATION

HOW YOUR CB CAN SERVE YOU

A FEW RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. You are not allowed to carry on a conversation with another station for
more than five minutes at a time without taking a one-minute break to
give others a chance to use the channel.

2. You are not allowed to blast others off the air by overpowering them
with illegally amplified transmitter power or illegal high antennas.

3. You can’t use the CB to promote illegal activities.

4. You are not allowed to use profanity.

5. You may not play music in your CB.

6. You may not use your CB to sell merchandise or professional service.

HOW YOUR CB CAN
SERVE YOU

• Warn of traffic tie ups ahead.

• Provide weather and
road information.

• Provide help fast in event of emer­gency or breakdown.

• Suggest good spots to eat
and sleep.

• Make long trips more interesting,
and help keep
you awake.

• Provide direct contact with your
office or home.

• Make friends as you travel.

• Provide “local information” to find
your destination.

• Help law enforcement
officers by reporting drunk
and reckless drivers.

Never Used A CB Before?

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR NEW COBRA CITIZENS
BAND TRANSCEIVER

Citizens Band Two-Way Radios operate on an AM frequency, just
like your car radio.

FIRST: When you first use your new CB you should tune to channel 19.

At first, you may hear what you think is a lot of noise and garble.
What you are hearing are parts of many faraway conversations

that are drifting into your transceiver. To eliminate the "noise"
you need to set up the SQUELCH control. It will silence the
"noise" by tuning your receiver to "hear" only close-by com­munications. Turn the SQUELCH control to the right until you
silence the noise. You will need to adjust this control as the
"noise" level will go up or down depending on your location.

SECOND: Try a broadcast. Say, "Break One-Nine for a Radio Check."

Listen for a response from another CBer near you. If you do
not get a response repeat the message. When you get a
response ask, "How are you receiving my transmission?"
NOW YOU ARE ON THE AIR! Try asking about the road con­ditions, the weather conditions, a good place to eat. Don't be

afraid to talk.

1716

CB 10-CODES

Citizens Band radio operators have largely adopted the “10-code” for
standard questions and answers. Its use permits faster communications
and better understanding in noisy areas. The following table lists some
of the more common codes and their meanings:

Code Meaning Code Meaning

10-1 Receiving poorly
10-2 Receiving well
10-3 Stop transmitting
10-4 OK, message received
10-5 Relay message
10-6 Busy, stand by
10-7 Out of service, leaving air
10-8 In service, subject to call
10-9 Repeat message
10-10 Transmission completed,

standing by
10-11 Talking too rapidly
10-12 Visitors present
10-13 Advise Weather/Road

conditions
10-16 Make pick up at
10-17 Urgent business
10-18 Anything for us?
10-19 Nothing for you, return to base
10-20 My location is
10-21 Call by telephone
10-22 Report in person to
10-23 Stand by
10-24 Completed last assignment
10-25 Can you contact
10-26 Disregard last information
10-27 I am moving to channel
10-28 Identify your station
10-29 Time is up for contact
10-30 Does not conform to FCC rules
10-32 I will give you a radio check
10-33 EMERGENCY TRAFFIC
10-34 Trouble at this station
10-35 Confidential information

10-36 Correct time is

10-37 Wrecker needed at
10-38 Ambulance needed at
10-39 Your message delivered
10-41 Please turn to channel
10-42 Traffic accident at
10-43 Traffic Tie up at
10-44 I have a message for you
10-45 All units within range

please report
10-50 Break channel
10-60 What is next

message number?
10-62 Unable to copy,

use phone
10-63 Net directed to
10-64 Net clear
10-65 Awaiting your next

message/assignment
10-67 All units comply
10-70 Fire at
10-71

Proceed with transmission

in sequence
10-77 Negative contact
10-81 Reserve hotel room for
10-82 Reserve room for
10-84 My telephone number is
10-85 My address is
10-91 Talk closer to mike
10-93 Check my frequency on

this channel
10-94 Please give me a

long count
10-99 Mission completed, all

units secure
10-200 Police needed at

Operating Procedure for Emergency Communications

1.

For EMERGENCY communications, set radio to Ch. 9. For non-
emergency communications, select desired Channel by rotating the
CHANNEL UP/DOWN tuning knob until reaching the desired Channel.

Be sure the antenna is properly connected to the radio before transmit­ting. Prolonged transmitting without an antenna, or use of a poorly
matched antenna, could cause damage to the transmitter.

2. When asking for aid on Channel 9 it is suggested that you request a
REACT base to respond by saying "Break Channel 9 for a REACT base"
and provide the CB DISTRESS DATA (called "CLIP):

CALL SIGN-Identify yourself and vehicle.
LOCATION-Be exact.
INJURIES-Number. Type. Trapped?
PROBLEM- Give details and help required. Air CLIP repeatedly so any

monitor can aid you.

If you don't receive a response on Ch. 9; try Ch.14 or 19.

USE CHANNEL 9 FOR EMERGENCY ONLY

FCC gives the following examples of permitted and prohibited types of
communications for use on Channel 9. These are guidelines and are not
intended to be all-inclusive.

Permitted Example Message

Yes "A tornado sighted six miles north of town."
No "This is observation post number 10. No tornado sighted."
Yes "I am out of gas on Interstate 95 at mile marker 121."
No "I am out of gas in my driveway."
Yes "There is a four-car collision at Exit 10 on the Beltway,

send police and ambulance."
No "Traffic is moving smoothly on the Beltway."
Yes "Base to Unit 1, the Weather Bureau has just issued a

thunderstorm warning. Bring the sailboat into port."
No "Attention all motorists. The Weather Bureau advises that

the snow tomorrow will accumulate 4 to 6 inches."
Yes "There is a fire in the building on the corner of 6th and

Main Streets."
No "This is Halloween patrol unit number 3. Everything is

quiet here."

1918

CB Channel Freq. CB Channel Freq.

Channel in MHz Channel in MHz

1 26.965
2 26.975
3 26.985
4 27.005
5 27.015

6 27.025
7 27.035
8 27.055
9 27.065

10 27.075
11 27.085

12 27.105
13 27.115
14 27.125
15 27.135

16 27.155
17 27.165
18 27.175
19 27.185
20 27.205

21 27.215
22 27.225
23 27.255
24 27.235
25 27.245

26 27.265
27 27.275
28 27.285
29 27.295
30 27.305

31 27.315
32 27.325
33 27.335
34 27.345
35 27.355

36 27.365
37 27.375
38 27.385
39 27.395
40 27.405

HH-36ST SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL

CHANNELS CB - 40 CH
FREQUENCY RANGE CB - 26.965 TO 27.405 MHZ
FREQUENCY TOLERANCE 0.005 %
FREQUENCY CONTROL PLL (PHASE LOCK LOOP) SYNTHESIZER
OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE -30° C TO + 65° C
MICROPHONE ELECTRET, PUSH-TO-TALK
INPUT VOLTAGE 9V VDC, DETACHABLE

12 VDC, EXTERNAL
ANTENNA CONNECTOR TYPE BNC
METER LCD DISPLAY, ICONS
SIZE, WITH 6 CELL BATT. PACK 21/2”L x 53/4”H X 13/8”D
WEIGHT 9 oz.

TRANSMITTER

POWER OUTPUT 3.5 W AT 9 VDC - HIGH, 1.0 W IN LOW

4.0 W AT 13.8 VDC - HIGH, 2.0 IN LOW
MODULATION AM
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 300 - 3000 HZ AT -6 DB
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 50 OHMS, UNBALANCED

RECEIVER

CB
SENSITIVITY LESS THAN 1 uV FOR 10 DB S/N
IF FREQUENCY DUAL CONVERSION

1 ST - 10.690 MHZ, 2ND - 455 KHZ
AUDIO OUTPUT 500 mW MAXIMUM AT 10 % DISTORTION
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 300 - 3000 HZ AT -6 DB
2ND IF IMAGE REJECTION GREATER THAN 60 DB
ADJACENT CH. REJECTION 50 DB MIN.
AUTOMATIC NOISE LIMITER BUILT- IN.
FREQUENCY CONTROL PLL (PHASE LOCK LOOP)

FREQUENCY RANGE

The COBRA 36ST 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 as shown below.

20 21

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 turnaround time on your repair.”

You may be asked to send your unit to the Cob ra factory. It will be necessary to fu r­nish the following, in order to h ave the product serviced and returned.

1.For Warranty Repair, include some form of proof-of-pu rchase, such as a mechan­ical reproduction or carbon or sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it
cannot be returned.

2.Send the entire product. Must include CB unit and microphone.

3.Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit. Include a typed or

clearly printed name and address of where the unit is to be returned.

4.Pack unit securely to pre vent damage in transit. If possible, use the original pa ck­ing material.

5.Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier(to avoid loss in transit)
such as UNited Parcel Service (UPS), Roadway Parcel Service (RPS), or First
Class Insured Mailto Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation,
6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707. Cobra is not responsible for units not
received if package has not been properly insured.

6.If the unit is in war ranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or

exchanged depending on the model. Please all ow approximately 3 to 4 weeks
before contacting us for status. If the unit is out of war ranty a letter will aut o­matically be sent informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge. If
you h ave any questions, please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.

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 t wo (2) years from the date of first consumer pu rchase. This war ranty
may be enfo rced by the first consumer pu rchaser, pr ovided that the product is ut i­lized within the U.S.A.

COBRA will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defect ive CB r adios,
products or component parts upon del ivery to the COBRA factory Service
Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer pu rchase, such as
a duplicated co py of a sales receipt.

You must p ay 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 warrant y. For further details concerning procedures for obtaining
service, see the “If You Think You Need Service” section of the Owner ’s Manual.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply; 1) to a ny product damaged by
accident; 2) in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauth o­rized alte rations or repairs; 3) if the serial number has been altered, defaced or r e­moved; 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, damages resulting from loss of 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.

For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk

which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked

questions about Cobra products.

[phone]

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A Consumer Service Representative can be

reached through this same number

8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.

Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently

Asked Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to productin-

[e-mail]

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

6500 W. Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707

22

Magnetic Mount Weather Antenna (not shown).
Allows greater transmission range while in a mov­ing vehicle. (Requires a CA-43 connector)
ATW-400 $39.75

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

You can find these fine accessories at your local Cobra CB deal-

NOTES

If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra

Order by phone:

Call 1-773-889-3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8a.m.-8p.m. M-F CST.

Order by mail or fax: Please fill out order form below, and mail/fax directly to Cobra.

Fax to:

1-773-622-2269

Please print clearly:

Name
Address (Not P.O. Box)
City State Zip
Credit Card No. Exp. Date
Customer Signature

Circle One: Visa MasterCard Discover

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.

Replacement DC
Power Cord for
in vehicle use

420-017-N-001
$7.00

High performance NiCad
rechargeable battery cell
212-001-N-001 $4.00
(10 batteries required)

120 V A/C Wall
charger with plug.
Charges the (10)
NiCad batteries
CA-25 $10.00

BNC/SO239 anten­na adapter. Allows
connection of your
handheld CB to
standard antennas.
CA-43 $5.00

Long Range antenna.
Doubles the range of
your handheld CB.
CA-41 $15.95

★★

Illinois residents add 7%

★★

Cook Co. residents add .75% (7.75% total)

★★

Chicago residents add 1% (8.75% total)

★★

Indiana residents add 5%

★★

Michigan residents add 4 %

★★

Minnesota residents add 6%

★★

Ohio residents add 6%

★★

Wisconsin residents add 5%

Part No. Cost Ea. X Qty. = Amount

212-001-N-001 $4.00
420-017-N-001 $7.00
CA-25 $10.00
CA-43 $5.00
CA-41 $15.95
ATW-400 $39.75

Amount
(Tax if applicable )
Shipping//handling $3.75
Total

Mail to:

Cobra Accessories Dept.

6500 W. Cortland St.,

Chicago, IL 60707

(Prices subject to change without notice.)