Cobra FRS100ML Service Manual

FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 1

The Family Radio Service Story

M i c ro Ta l k

Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL60707

IfYou Think You Need Service

For te c h n i cal assistance,please call our Au to m a ted Help Desk which can assist
you by answe ring the most fre q u e n t ly asked questions about Co b ra prod u ct s.

A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through this same number

Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to [e-mail]

If you think you need service call 1.773.889.3087

“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
W.Cortland St.,Chicago,IL 60707.

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 1.773.889.3087 for
assistance.

Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1998
Printed in Thailand

Part No. 480-278-P-001

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

[phone]

24 hours a day,7 days a week.

8:00 am

O pe rating Instru ctions for yo u r
Co b ra Mi rco Talk FRS 100

Family Radio Service
2Way Radio

“Ingenious Prod u cts for Easier Co m m u n i cat i o n .”

The Family Radio Service Story

Ever wish you could talk to someone who wasn’t
within earshot? Like contacting ski partners back
at the lodge? Or letting a friend know how to find
you in a busy mall? Cobra’s MicroTalk FRS 100 is a
great way for friends or family to increase their
fun–and safe ty – by staying in touch while on the go.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
has created 14 license free frequency bands,
or channels,called Family Radio Service (FRS)
frequencies. Two of these 14 channels (channel
8 and 13) are easily accessed on your Cobra FRS
radio. These channels are in the UHF (Ultra High
Frequency) band which means great penetration
through buildings,thick forests,hills,and other

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dense structures.They are also FM (Frequency
Modulation) signals which means crystal clear
reception even in crowded noisy environments.

FCCWarnings

Replacement or substitution of transistors,regular
diodes or other parts of a unique nature,with
parts other than those recommended by Cobra,
may cause a violation of the technical regulations

2

of part 95 of the FCC Rules,or violation of Type
Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules.

Included with your MicroTalk

1. Removable Belt Clip

2. Wrist Strap

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 4

Controls and Indicators

1. Retractable Antenna

2. Belt Clip

3. On/Off Volume Control

4. Speaker Jack

5. Microphone Jack

6. Battery Charge Pads

7. TX (talk)/Batt Low

(batteries are low)
Indicator

8. Call/Ring Button

9. Channel Select Button

1 0 . Microphone
11 . Maximum Range

Extender Button

12. PTT (Push ToTalk ) Key

13 . Battery Chamber

1

7
8

Our Thanks to You

2

1

3

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1 1

1 2

1 0

1 3

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra FRS 100
2-way 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 - 8:00 pm CST
at: 773.889.3087

Automated Technical
Assistance available 24 hours
a day,seven days a week.
E-mail questions to:
[e-mail]

Co b ra on the Wo rld Wide We b :
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) can be found on-line
at: www.cobraelec.com

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 7

How to Use Your Cobra

M i c ro Ta l k 2 - Way Radio

Contents

Features...........................................................................1

The FRS Story................................................................A1

FCCWarnings
Included Accessories

Controls & Indicators.................................................A2

Our Thanks toYou.......................................................A3

Customer Support...................................................A3

Operating your MicroTalk

Battery Installation...................................................2

Turning On..................................................................4

Auto Squelch.............................................................4

Maximum Range Extender...................................4

Select Channel..........................................................5

Auto Battery Save.....................................................5

Calling Another Party .............................................6

Talking To Another Party.......................................7

Talk Confirmation Tone..........................................8

Listening For Another Party.................................8

MicroTalk Range.......................................................9

Making Life Easier And Safer................................10

External Microphone/Speaker Jack...................12

Frequency Ranges.......................................................13

Caring for Your MicroTalk........................................14

MicroTalk Specifications..........................................16

Limited TwoYear Warranty.....................................18

Optional Accessories.................................................19

Order Form.....................................................................20

IfYou Think You Need Service...............Back Cover

Features of This Product

• UHF FM Frequencies

• No License Required

• No Air Time Fees

• Up To 2 Mile Range

• 2 User Se l e ctable Ch a n n e l s

• Talk Confirmation To n e

• Ca l l / Ring Bu t to n

• Recharging Pads

• Retractable Antenna

• Battery Saver Circuity

• Auto Squelch

• Wrist Strap/Belt Clip

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 8

Operation

Battery
Installation

Note

Batteries not included with
Microtalk 2-way radio.

Install Batteries

1

Clear antenna.

A.

B.

2

Removebelt clip by (A.) pulling tab out and
(B.) Sliding belt clip up and off unit.

3 4

Pull lock tab down
to remove battery
cover.

Insert four “AAA”
batteries.Position
batteries according
to po l a ri ty marki n g s.

Operation

Note

Always use high quality
alkaline or NiMH batteries.

Incorrect positioning can
damage both the batteries
and the unit.

Only the Cobra NiMH
battery (Part# FA-BP)
pack can be recharged.

See Accessories on page 19.
Charge ports for recharging
NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
battery pack are
located on back of unit.

Note

When batteries are low or
need charging the
BATTLOW indicator will
blink red.Replace alkaline
batteries or recharge NiMH
battery pack.

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 10

Operation

Turning
On Your
MicroTalk

Note

Whenever the unit is on you
can receive communications.

Auto Squelch

Maximum
Range
Extender

Note

To learn more about the
range of your MicroTalk,
see page 9.

Range is dependent on
battery condition and
geographic territory.

Turning On Your MicroTalk

Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.

An audible “tone”will indicate the unit is on and

the TX/RX indicator on the front of the unit

will illuminate green.

Auto Squelch

Your MicroTalk is equipped with Auto Squelch,
which automatically shuts off weak transmissions
and unwanted noise due to terrain conditions or
if you have reached your range limit.

Maximum Range Extender

Auto squelch can be temporarily removed
to allow all signals to enter by pressing the
M button (Maximum Range Extender).

1

Push and hold

the M/RANGE
EXTENDER button
to allow all signals
to ente r.

Select Channel

1

Turn on the MicroTalk 2-Way Radio.

2

Select channel by moving the channel button
up or down.Select either Channel A or B for
optimum clarity.

Auto Battery Save

Your FRS 100 has a unique circuit designed to
extend battery life. If there are no transmissions
within 10 seconds,the unit will automatically
switch to battery save mode.

Operation

Select
Channel

Note

Units must be on same
channel to communicate.
Choose Channel A or B.

Note

You can also communicate
with other 2-way radios
(some have as many as
fourteen channels).

Channel A = Channel 8 on

other units

Frequency is 467.5625
Channel B = Channel 13 on

other units

Frequency is 467.6875

Auto Battery
Save

Note

The Auto Battery Save Circuit
does not effect the unit’s
ability to receive incoming
transmissions.

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 12

Operation

Calling
Another
Party

Note

Units must be on same
channel to communicate.
Choose Channel A or B.

Note

You can also communicate
with other 2-way FRS radios
(some have as many as
fourteen channels) like the
MicroTalk 250 or 300.

Channel A = Channel 8 on

other units

Frequency is 467.5625
Channel B = Channel 13 on

other units

Frequency is 467.6875

Calling Another Party

To alert another party that you wish to
communicate:

1

Turn on your MicroTalk 2-way radio.
An audible “tone”will indicate the unit is on
and the TX/RX indicator on the front of the
unit will illuminate green.

2 3

Place antenna in full
upright position.

Select Channel A or
Channel B by mov i n g
the CHANNEL butto n
up or down.

4

Push and release CALL button.The unit you are
calling will hear a two second ring/tone.

Talking To Another Party

To send your outgoing message:

1 2

Push and hold
PTT button.

3 4

Hold mic about
2 inches from
mouth. Speak in
a normal voice.

The TX / RX indicato r
will illuminate red.

Release PTT
button and listen
for response.

Operation

Note

Your incoming “Call”signal
level is dependent on your
unit volume s e t t i n g.

Talking To
Another Party

Note

While PTT button is
depressed you cannot
receive incoming calls.

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Operation

Talk
Confirmation
Tone

Listening For
Another Party

Note

While PTT button is
depressed you cannot receive
incoming calls.

Talk Confirmation Tone

Your listener will hear an
audible tone when you
release the PTT button.

This alerts the other party
t h at you are finished talki n g
and it’s OK for them to be g i n
t a l ki n g.

Listening For Another Party

When finished talking:

1

Release PTT button to receive incoming
transmissions.

Your MicroTalk is always in listening mode when
the PTT button is not pressed.

MicroTalk Range

Your Mi c ro Talk Radio has a range of up to2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.

1. Under flat,open
conditions you
will experience
the MicroTalk’s
maximum range.

To achieve maximum range the auto squelch can
be overridden.Refer to Maximum Range Extender
section on page 4.

2. Range can be
reduced by
buildings and

foliage in the
path of the signal.

Operation

MicroTalk
Range

3. Range will be
further reduced by
dense foliage and
hilly terrain.

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 16

Making Life Easier and Safer

MicroTalk
2-Way Radio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer

MicroTalk 2-Way Radio Can Make Life
Easier and Safer

As you become familiar with your MicroTalk Radio
you will find many of your own uses for the unit.

Some suggestions include:

1. Talking with fellow
hikers.

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2. Keeping track
of the kids in a
shopping mall.

3. Communicating
between basement
and first,second or
third floor.

5. Checking on travel­ing companions in
another car.

4. Talking to a
neighbor or a
friend.

6. Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.

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External Microphone/Speaker Jack

External
Microphone/
Speaker Jack

Note

External microphone/
speaker is not included with
the unit. See Accessories on
page 19 for available units.

External Microphone/Speaker Jack

Your MicroTalk 2-Way Radio can be fitted with
an external microphone/speaker,(not included)

freeing your hands for other tasks.

To attach the external microphone/speaker:

1

Open MIC/SPKR tab on top of unit.

Frequency Range

The MicroTalk unit represents one of the most
advanced FM two-way radios used.

Channel

FRS Frequency

Channel Channel In MHz

A 8 467.5625
B 13 467.6875

Frequency
Ranges

2

Insert jack into the MIC/SPKR ports.

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Caring for Your MicroTalk Radio

Caring
for Your
MicroTalk
Radio

Note

Modifying or tampering
with the radio’s internal
components can cause
malfunction and will
invalidate the warranty.
If your radio is not perform­ing as it should,please call
Cobra at 773.889.3087.Do
not return the unit to the
retailer.

Caring for Your MicroTalk Radio

The MicroTalk 2 Way Radio will give you years
of service if cared for properly.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Handle unit gently. 2. Keep away
from dust.

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3. Never place the
unit in water or in
a moist place.

4. Avoid exposure
to extreme
temperatures.

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 22

MicroTalk Specifications

I.GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

A.GENERAL

CH=2 CHANNELS:467.5678 and 467.6875 Mhz

B.RECEIVER

1.SENSITIVITY
FOR 12 DB SINAD uV 0.25 0.4
FOR CALL SIG.DETECTION uV 0.2 0 0.4

2.MAX. AUDIO OUTPUT @10% THD MW 100 ±10

3.MAX.S/N RATIO @ 1mV RF INPUT DB 45 40

4.SQUELCH
a) SENS. uV 0.2 0.3
b) ATTACK TIME mS 120 150
c) CLOSING TIME mS 200 250

5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESP.
@ 300 HZT DB -6 ±3
@ 3000 HZ DB -6 ±3

6.SIGNAL DISPLACEMENT BW +/-KHZ 5 4

7.ADJACENT CH.REJECTION DB 55 50

8.INTERMODULATION REJECTION DB 55 50

9.SPURIOUS RESPONSE REJECTION DB 65 60

UNIT NOMINAL LIMIT

MicroTalk Specifications

C.TRANSMITTER

1. EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER mW 500 300

2. CARRIER FREQ.STABILITY I H Z 500 1000

3. MODULATION LIMITING 3.0 5.0

4. CARRIER ATTACK TIME mS 80 100

5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESPONSE
@ 300 HZ DB -6 ±3
@ 3000 HZ DB -6 ±3

6. AUDIO DISTORTION % 3 5

7. HUM NOISE DB 45 40

8. TRANSIENT FREQ.BEHAVIOR
a)TX ON mS 30 35
b) TX OFF mS 5 10

D.POWER SUPPLY

1.BATTERY LIFE (1:1:8 RATIO) HR 24 20

2.BATTERY V 4.8

UNIT NOMINAL LIMIT

UNIT NOMINAL LIMIT

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 24

Limited Two Year Warranty

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONwarrants that its
COBRA 2-Way FRS Radios,and the component parts there­of,will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for
period of two (2) years 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 2-Way FRS radios,products or component parts
upon delivery to the COBRA factory Service Department,
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

Cobra Electronics
Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago,Illinois 60707

will be at Cobra's expense,if the product is repaired or
replaced under warranty.

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 alter-

ations 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,
damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installat i o n .

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.

(1) NiMH Rechargeable
Battery Pack

High performance Nickel Metal
Hydride battery pack for
multiple recharging
FA-BP $29.95

Ear Bud Mic with PTT

I n te g ra ted spe a ker/mic adapte r
that fits in your ear.Includes
s h i rt clip. M A-EBM $29.95

Vox Mic

VOX (Voice Operated
Transmitter) adapter allows you
hands-free operation.
MA-VOX $49.95

Optional Accessories

2 Po rt De s k t op Ch a rg e r

Ch a rges your Mi c ro Talk Radio
and (1) NiMH batte ry pack
FA- C H $ 2 9 . 9 5

Lapel Microphone

Remote microphone/speaker
connection.
CA- 4 0 $ 2 5 . 9 5

You Can Find These Fine Accessories AtYour Local Cobra
Dealer

If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra.

Order by phone

Call 1.773.889.3087
(Press 1 from the main menu) 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F CST. )

Order by mail or fax

Please fill out order form on next page,and mail/fax directly
to Cobra.

Camouflage Cover
Carrying Case

Durable nylon case perfectly fits
your FRS radio
FA- C C $19.95

Replacement Belt Clip

FA-BC $4.95

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FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 26

Accessory Order Form

Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount

FA-BP NiMH Re c h a rgeable Bat te ry Pa c k $29.95
M A - E B M Ear Bud Mic with PTT $ 2 9 . 9 5
M A - VOX Vox Mi c $ 4 9 . 9 5
FA-CH 2 Port Desktop Charger $29.95
CA-40 Lapel Microphone $25.95
FA - C C Camouflage Cover Ca r rying Ca s e $ 1 9 . 9 5
FA-BC Replacement Belt Clip $4.95

Prices subject to change without notice.

Tax Table

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%

Subtotal
(Tax if applicable)
Shipping/handling

Total

$4.00

For credit card orders fill out order
form and fax to:1.773.622.2269
or call 1.773.889.3087
(Press 1 from the main menu)
8:00 am - 8:00 pm,M-F,CST.

Ma ke check or money order (no stamps)
payable to:
Cobra Accessories Dept.
6500 West Co rtland St.Ch i ca g o,IL 60707

Please print clearly
Name
Address (No P.O.Box)
City State
Zip
Telephone ( )
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.

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