Cobra CXT425 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Introduction

Staying in touch with your family and friends is convenient and easy when using your microTALK radio. Some of the many uses you will discover include:

Communicating with others while hiking, biking and working; keeping track of family and friends at a crowded public event; checking with travel companions in another car; talking with neighbors; arranging meeting spots with others while shopping at the mall.

Making Life Easier and Safer

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

English

TWO-WAY RADIO MODEL

CXT425

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Printed in China

Part No. 480-575-P

Version B

Belt Clip

Customer Assistance

Secure your microTALK radio while on the go.

Carrying your microTALK radio with you is easy when using the belt clip. The belt clip easily attaches to your belt, purse or backpack.

For Assistance in the U.S.A.

In this user’s manual, you should find all the information you need to operate your microTALK radio. If you require further assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:

Automated Help Desk

English only. 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).

Customer Assistance Operators

English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 773-889-3087 (phone).

Questions

English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).

Technical Assistance

English only. www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo

@cobra.com (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

Owner’s Manual

Introduction

Staying in touch with your family and friends is convenient and easy when using your microTALK radio. Some of the many uses you will discover include:

Making Life Easier and Safer

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

English

TWO-WAY RADIO MODEL

CXT425

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Printed in China

Part No. 480-575-P

Version B

Belt Clip

Customer Assistance

Secure your microTALK radio while on the go.

Carrying your microTALK radio with you is easy when using the belt clip. The belt clip easily attaches to your belt, purse or backpack.

For Assistance in the U.S.A.

Automated Help Desk

English only. 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).

Customer Assistance Operators

English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 773-889-3087 (phone).

Questions

English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).

Technical Assistance

English only. www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo

@cobra.com (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

Introduction

Product Features

1. Antenna

2. External Speaker/ Microphone/Charge Jack

3. On/Off Volume Knob

4. Backlit LCD Display

5. Channel Up Button

6. Channel Down Button

7. Mode/Lock Button

8. Speaker/Microphone

9. Call Button

10. Light/Max Range Button

11. Talk Button

12. Enter/Hi-Low Power Button

13. Wrist Strap Connector

14. Belt Clip

15. Battery Compartment

16. Battery Door Latch

Introduction

• 22 Channels

Seven shared with FRS/GMRS, seven FRS only, eight GMRS only

• 121 Privacy Codes

(38 CTCSS codes/ 83 DCS codes)

• 10 Channel NOAA All Hazards Radio

• Hands-Free Operation (VOX)

• 10 Channel Memory

• Signal Strength

Meter

• Scan Channels, privacy codes, memory

• Selectable

Hi•Low Power

In GMRS

• Backlit

LCD Display

• Button Lock

• Call Alert

10 selectable tones

• Speaker/ Microphone/ Charge Jack

• Roger Beep Selectable on/off

• Battery/Power Saver

• Keystroke Tones

Selectable on/off

• Auto Squelch

• Maximum Range

Extender

• Belt Clip

Product Features

Backlit LCD Display

1. Signal Strength Meter Icon

2. Lock Icon

3. Keystroke Tones Icon

4. Roger Beep Icon

5. VOX Icon

6. NOAA All Hazards Radio Icon

7. DCS/CTCSS Icons

8. Scan Icon

9. Memory Icon

10. Memory Location Number

11. Privacy Code Numbers

12. Hi-Low Power Icons

13. Receive/Transmit Icons

14. Battery Low Indicator

15. Power Saver Icon

16. Channel Numbers

Maximum range may vary and is based on unobstructed line-of-sight communication under ideal conditions.

Important FCC Licensing Information

This radio operates on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. See page 22 for licensing and other related information.

Safety and Trademark

Safety

Safety Information for microTALK® Radios

Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter. When the talk button is pushed, it sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. The device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%. In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for handheld wireless devices.

Important:

FCC RF Exposure Requirements: For body-worn operation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with Cobra accessories supplied or designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines. Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the transmitter and may violate FCC regulations.

Normal Position:

Hold the transmitter approximately five cm (two inches) from your face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away.

Trademark Acknowledgement

Cobra®, microTALK®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, VibrAlert® and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

The Cobra line of quality products includes

CB Radios • microTALK® Radios • Radar/Laser Detectors • Safety Alert CobraMarine

Acknowledgement

Traffic Warning Systems • HighGear® Accessories •

VHF Radios • Power Inverters • Accessories

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

•

Introduction

Caring for Your microTALK Radio

Your microTALK if cared for properly. Handle the radio gently. Keep the radio away from dust. Never put the radio in water or in a damp place. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

Remove Belt Clip

Operation Customer Assistance Warranty

radio will give you years of trouble-free service

Rechargeable Batteries and Desktop Charger

To install or replace batteries:

1. Remove belt clip by releasing belt clip

Pull Up Lock Latch

Insert Batteries

latch and sliding clip up.

2. Pull up on the battery door latch to remove the battery compartment cover.

3. Insert batteries according to

polarity markings.

4. Replace battery compartment cover

and belt clip.

Estimated operation time on full charge: 12 hours.

These rechargeable batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly in compliance with all applicable laws. They may not be thrown in the trash.

Certain states or municipalities require recycling and have established

collection programs. Please contact your local waste removal authority

for instructions, or return to Cobra Wrap batteries carefully and mail postage prepaid to:

Cobra Electronics Corporation Chicago, IL 60707 USA, Attn: Battery Recycling.

Do not put batteries into fire or expose to high heat. They may explode.

for recycling.

™, 6500 West Cortland Street,

•

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Operation

Using Your Radio

For charging microTALK radio(s) in desktop charger:

1. Insert radio(s) into desktop charger as shown.

2. Insert round connector of 120-volt adapter into

jack on back of charger.

3. Plug 120-volt adapter into electrical outlet.

If charging light is not on, check position of radio. Radio should be upright. The charge indicator light will stay on as long as the radio is in the charging well, even after the batteries are fully charged.

It normally takes about 15 hours to fully recharge batteries. Batteries will not be damaged if they stay in the charging well longer than that.

Note: To charge a single radio, you can bypass the desktop charger and simply insert the wall adapter’s round connector directly into the

speaker/microphone/charge jack located on the top of the radio.

Use only the supplied rechargeable batteries and charger for recharging your Cobra microTALK radio.

Cobra recommends your radio is turned off while being charged. Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be used in your radio.

Quick Start

1. Turn the Power On/Off knob clockwise to turn on your radio.

2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down

button to select a channel.

Both radios must be tuned to the

same channel/privacy code to

communicate.

3. Press and hold the Talk button while speaking into the microphone.

4. When finished talking, release the Talk button and listen for a response.

On/Off PowerInsert Radio(s)

Battery Low

Battery Save Mode

Talk Button

Two Inches (5 cm) from Mouth

Operation

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction

Turning on Your microTALK Radio

Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to turn on your radio and adjust the volume. A series

of tones will indicate the radio is on. Your microTALK radio is now in Standby mode,

ready to receive transmissions. The radio is always in Standby mode, except when the Talk, Call or Mode/Lock buttons are pressed.

Battery Low

When battery power is low, the Battery Low icon will blink. Your batteries should be recharged or replaced if using alkaline batteries.

Auto Battery Save

Your microTALK radio has a unique circuit designed to extend battery life. If there are no transmissions for 10 seconds, the radio will automatically switch to Battery Save mode and the Power Saver icon will flash in the display. This will not affect the radio’s ability to receive incoming transmissions.

Communicating with Another Person

1. Press and hold the Talk button.

2. With the microphone about 2 inches

(5 cm) from your mouth, speak in a normal voice.

3. Release the Talk button when you are

finished talking and listen for a response.

You cannot receive incoming calls while pressing the Talk button.

Both radios must be tuned to the same channel/privacy code to communicate.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

•

Operation

Channel Buttons

Channel Number

Listening

Volume Knob

Call Button

Using Your Radio

Channels

With the radio on, select any of the 22 channels by pressing the Channel Up or Channel Down button.

Both radios must be tuned to the same channel to communicate.

Channels 1 through 7 are shared by FRS and

GMRS. Channels 8 through 14 are FRS only. Channels 15 through 22 are GMRS only.

See page 21 for FRS/GMRS frequency

allocations and compatibility charts.

Listening for a Response

Release the Talk button to receive incoming transmissions. Your microTALK radio is always in Standby mode while the Talk or Call buttons are not pressed.

Volume

Rotate the On/Off Volume knob.

Call Button

To alert another person that you are calling:

Press and release the Call button. The other person will hear a two second call tone. This tone is used only to establish voice communications.

See page 19 on how to select from 10 available call tone settings.

Operation

•

Enter/Hi-Low Button

Selectable High•Low Power Output

When in close proximity to another party or during favorable conditions, you can switch

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction

•

from High to Low Power to extend battery life.

Hi Power Icon

Low Power Icon

This feature applies to GMRS Channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22 only. Channels 8 through 14 operate exclusively on low power.

To toggle between high and low power:

Press the Enter/Hi•Low button for two seconds.

When using Channels 1 through 7 and

•

15 through 22 on high power, the Hi icon will be visible on the display.

When using those channels on low power and on Channels 8 through 14, the Low icon will be visible on the display.

•

Light/Max Range

To Illuminate Display

Press and release the Light/Max Range button to illuminate the display for 10 seconds.

•

Auto Squelch/Maximum Range

Your microTALK radio is equipped with Auto Squelch, which

•

automatically shuts off weak transmissions and unwanted noise due to terrain and conditions. This slightly reduces the Maximum Range at which signals can be heard.

You can turn off auto squelch to allow all signals to be received and extend the maximum range of your radio.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Operation

Light/Max Range

Using Your Radio

To briefly turn off auto squelch:

Press the Light/Max Range button for less than five seconds.

If you hear two beeps, you have turned the maximum range extender on (see below).

To turn maximum range extender on:

Press and hold the Light/Max Range button for at least five seconds until you hear two beeps which indicates the maximum range extender is on.

To turn maximum range extender off:

Press and release the Light/Max Range button or change channels.

Lock Feature

The Lock feature locks the Channel, Mode/Lock and Enter/Hi•Low Power buttons to prevent accidental operation.

Mode/Lock Button

To turn the lock feature on or off:

Press and hold the Mode/Lock button for two seconds.

A double beep sound is used to confirm your lock

Lock Mode

on or off request. When in Lock mode, the Lock icon will be displayed.

Dual Function Buttons

Two of the buttons on the microTALK radio have Dual Functions; Mode/Lock

• Press and release the button to scroll to the next mode function.

• Press and hold the button for two seconds or more to turn the lock

function on or off.

Enter/Hi•Low Power

• Press and release the button to enter settings in Function mode.

• Press and release to toggle between high and low power

transmission in Standby mode.

Operation

Speaker/Microphone/Charge Jack

Your microTALK radio can be fitted with an external Speaker/ Microphone, freeing your hands for other tasks. This same jack also

serves as the connecting point for a wall charger/adapter.

Speaker/Microphone/ Charge Jack

To attach a speaker/microphone:

1. Open the speaker/microphone/charge

tab on top of your microTALK radio.

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction

•

2. Insert the plug into the speaker/ microphone/charge jack.

To connect a wall charger/adapter:

1. Open the speaker/microphone/charge

tab on top of your microTALK radio.

2. Insert the wall charger/adapter plug

•

Signal Strength

Maximum Range

Reduced Range

into the speaker/microphone/charge jack.

Signal Strength Meter

Your microTALK radio has a Signal Strength Meter that shows the strength of your incoming

and outgoing transmissions. The ascending bars next to the signal strength indicate the strength of the signal. The greater the number of bars visible, the stronger the signal. The fewer number of bars visible, the weaker the signal.

microTALK Range

Your range will vary depending on terrain and conditions. In flat, open country your radio will operate at maximum range. Buildings and foliage in the path of the signal can reduce the range of the radio. Dense foliage and hilly terrain will further reduce the range of the radio. On FRS channels 8 through 14, your radio automatically switches to low power, which will limit the range the radio can communicate.

Remember, you can achieve maximum range by using maximum range extender. See page 6 for details.

•

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Operation

Mode Functions

Scrolling through Mode Functions

By scrolling through the Mode Functions, you will be able to select or turn on/off preferred features of your microTALK radio. When scrolling through the Mode Functions, your radio features will be displayed in the following order:

Mode/Lock Button

Scroll through the mode functions using the Mode/Lock button. Each press and release of the Mode/Lock button will advance to the next mode function. Press the Talk button at any point to return the radio to Standby mode.

Set CTCSS Privacy Codes Set DCS Privacy Codes Set NOAA All Hazards Radio Channel Set VOX On/Off Set VOX Sensitivity Level Set Memory Locations Set Channel Scan

Set CTCSS Privacy Code Scan Set DCS Privacy Code Scan

Set Memory Location Scan Set Call Tones

Set Roger Beep On/Off Set Keystroke Tones On/Off

Privacy Codes

Your microTALK radio incorporates two advanced coded squelch systems that can help to reduce interference from other users on any given channel. CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System)

provides 38 privacy codes and DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) provides

83 privacy codes. This provides a total of 121 Privacy Codes. Either system can be used on all channels, but both systems cannot be used on the same channel at the same time.

To successfully communicate using a privacy code, both the sending and receiving radios must be tuned to the same

channel and to the same privacy code system (CTCSS or DCS)

and privacy code number. Each channel will remember the last privacy code system and number you select.

The privacy code 00 is not a privacy code, but allows all signals to be heard on a channel that is set to 00 on both

the CTCSS and DCS systems.

Operation

•

Set CTCSS Privacy Codes

Mode/Lock Button

CTCSS Privacy Code

1. After selecting a channel, press the Mode/Lock button until the small numbers next to the channel number flash on the display.

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction

If DCS is turned on at the channel selected, the display will flash the

•

CTCSS icon and “OFF.” To switch from DCS to CTCSS, press the Channel Up

Channel Buttons

or Channel Down button while the display is flashing “OFF.” The display will then show the small numbers flashing and you will then be able to proceed to step 2.

2. Press using the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select a privacy code. You can hold the Up or Down button for fast advance.

3. When your desired CTCSS privacy code is displayed, choose one of the following:

a. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter the

•

new setting and proceed to other functions.

b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter the

new setting and return to Standby mode.

c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds

to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Operation

Mode Functions

Set DCS Privacy Codes

Mode/Lock Button

DCS Privacy Code

To select a DCS privacy code:

1. After selecting a channel, press the Mode/Lock

button until the DCS icon appears and the small

numbers flash on the display (01 through 83).

If CTCSS is turned on at the channel selected, the display will flash the DCS icon and “OFF.” To switch from CTCSS to

Channel Buttons

DCS, press the Channel Up or Channel Down button while the display is flashing

“OFF.” The display will then show the small numbers flashing and you will then be able to proceed to step 2.

2. Press using the Channel Up or Channel Down

button to select a DCS privacy code. You can

hold the Up or Down button for fast advance.

3. When your desired DCS privacy code is

displayed, choose one of the following:

a. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter the new

setting and proceed to other functions.

b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter the

new setting and return to Standby mode.

c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds

to enter the new setting and return to

Standby mode.

NOAA* All Hazards Radio Channels

You can use your microTALK radio to listen to NOAA All Hazards Radio channels transmitting in your area.

Mode/Lock Button

To listen to All Hazards Radio channels:

1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the All Hazards Radio icon, the currently

selected All Hazards Radio channel, and signal strength are displayed.

2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to change All Hazards Radio channels.

Operation

•

Hazards Radio Icon

Channel Buttons

3. The All Hazards Radio icon will continue to be displayed when All Hazards Radio is on. Choose one of the following:

a. Press the Mode/Lock button to proceed

to other functions.

b. Press the Enter/Hi-Low button to exit

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction

All Hazards Radio channel mode and return to Standby mode.

Enter/Hi-Low Button

*National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration

Voice Activated Transmit (VOX)

In VOX mode, your microTALK radio can be used “hands-free,” automatically transmitting when you speak. You can set the VOX sensitivity level to fit the volume of your voice and avoid transmissions triggered by background noise.

Mode/Lock Button

c. Press Talk button to exit and start on

last used transmitting channel.

To turn VOX mode on or off:

•

1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the VOX icon flashes on the display. The current on or off setting is displayed.

VOX Icon

2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to turn VOX on or off.

3. Choose one of the following:

a. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter the

•

Channel Buttons

selected on or off setting and proceed to other functions.

b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter

the selected on or off setting and return to Standby mode.

To set VOX sensitivity:

1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the VOX icon

flashes and the current sensitivity level is displayed.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

+ 21 hidden pages