Cobra microTALK FRS 100 Operating Instructions Manual

The Family Radio Service Story

A1

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
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
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

M i c ro Ta l k

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

Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL60707

Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1998
Printed in Thailand

Part No. 480-278-P-001

2

1

For te c h n i c al 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.

[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 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 Par cel 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 war ranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the
repair charge or replacement charge.If you ha ve any questions,please call 1.773.889.3087 for
assistance.

IfYou Think You Need Service

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

Family Radio Service
2Way Radio

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

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.

Our Thanks to You

A3

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

Controls and Indicators

A2

1 0

1 1

1 2

1 3

1

7
8

1

2

54

3

6

9

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

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

How to Use Your Cobra

M i c ro Ta l k 2 - Way Radio

1

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

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

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

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

3

Operation

2

Note

Batteries not included with
Microtalk 2-way radio.

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.

Install Batteries

Battery
Installation

Clear antenna.

1

2

3 4

A.

B.

Note

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

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

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

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

Select Channel

Turn on the MicroTalk 2-Way Radio.

Operation

5

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

Note

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

Select
Channel

Operation

4

Note

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

Range is dependent on
battery condition and
geographic territory.

Note

Whenever the unit is on you
can receive communications.

Turning
On Your
MicroTalk

Auto Squelch

Maximum
Range
Extender

2

1

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

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.

Auto Battery
Save

Push and hold

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

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.

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

Operation

7

Note

While PTT button is
depressed you cannot
receive incoming calls.

Note

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

Talking To
Another Party

Operation

6

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:

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.

Place antenna in full
upright position.

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

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:

Calling
Another
Party

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

Release PTT
button and listen
for response.

Push and hold
PTT button.

The TX / R X indicato r
will illuminate red.

1 2

3 4

1

2 3

4

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

Operation

9

Operation

8

Talk
Confirmation
Tone

MicroTalk Range

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

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

MicroTalk
Range

Listening For Another Party

When finished talking:

Listening For
Another Party

Release PTT button to receive incoming
transmissions.

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

1

Note

While PTT button is
depressed you cannot receive
incoming calls.

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.

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

2. Range can be
reduced by
buildings and
foliage in the
path of the signal.

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

Talk Confirmation Tone

FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 14

11

5. Checking on travel­ing companions in
another car.

6. Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.

Making Life Easier and Safer

10

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:

MicroTalk
2-Way Radio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer

1. Talking with fellow
hikers.

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

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

4. Talking to a
neighbor or a
friend.

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

Frequency Range

13

Frequency
Ranges

External Microphone/Speaker Jack

12

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:

External
Microphone/
Speaker Jack

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

A 8 467.5625
B 13 467.6875

Channel

FRS Frequency

Channel Channel In MHz

Insert jack into the MIC/SPKR ports.

Open MIC/SPKR tab on top of unit.

1

2

FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 18

15

Caring for Your MicroTalk Radio

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

Here are some suggestions:

Caring for Your MicroTalk Radio

14

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.

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

4. Avoid exposure
to extreme
temperatures.

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

FRS100.MANUAL.qk 10/1/98 11:16 AM Page 20

C.TRANSMITTER

UNIT NOMINAL LIMIT

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
UNIT NOMINAL LIMIT

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) TXOFF mS 5 10

D.POWER SUPPLY

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

2.BATTERY V 4.8

MicroTalk Specifications

17

MicroTalk Specifications

16

I.GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

A.GENERAL

CH=2 CHANNELS:467.5678 and 467.6875 Mhz

B.RECEIVER

UNIT NOMINAL LIMIT

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

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

Vox Mic

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

Optional Accessories

19

Limited Two Year Warranty

18

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONwarrants that its

COBRA 2-Way FRS Radios,and the component parts ther e­of,will be free of defects in wor kmanship and materials for
period of two (2) years from the date of first consumer pur ­chase.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 duplic ated 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.

Exclusions:This limited warrant y 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,
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.

Cobra Electronics
Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago,Illinois 60707

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.

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

(1) NiMH Rechargeable
Battery Pack

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

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

Replacement Belt Clip

FA-BC $4.95

Camouflage Cover
Carrying Case

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

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

Accessory Order Form

20

Subtotal
(Tax if applicable)
Shipping/handling

$4.00

Total

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%

Prices subject to change without notice.

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 - CC Camouflage Cover Ca r rying Ca s e $ 1 9 . 9 5
FA-BC Replacement Belt Clip $4.95

Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount

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.O ffer valid in Continental U.S.only.

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

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