Cobra MicroTalk 2, MicroTalk FRS 115 Operation Manual

How to Use Your Cobra

M i c ro Ta l k 2 - Way Radio

1

Features of This Product

• Two-way static-free
radio with up to a
2 mile range

• Digital AM/FM
Stereo Tuner

• AM/FM Memory

• 14 channels

• SuperFlex™ antenna

• Holster belt clip

• Roger beep
confirmation tone

• Backlit LCD

• Stereo Headphones

• Speaker/Microphone/
Headphone jack

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.............................................................................................3

Illuminating the Display ...................................................................3

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

Maximum Range Extender/Auto Monitor.................................4

Select Channel/Station.....................................................................5

Mode Key...............................................................................................6

Battery Low;Auto Battery Save......................................................7

Calling To Another Party...................................................................8

Talking To Another Party..................................................................9

Talk Confirmation Tone/Standby Mode...................................10

microTALK Range..............................................................................11

Advanced Features.............................................................................11

Storing a Radio Station...................................................................12

Retrieving a Radio Station.............................................................13

Lock Function.....................................................................................14

Making Life Easier And Safer........................................................15

Holster-Belt Clip/Desk Stand........................................................16

External Microphone/Speaker Jack...........................................17

Caring for Your microTALK..............................................................18

Frequency Ranges...............................................................................19

microTALK Specifications................................................................19

Limited TwoYear Warranty.............................................................21

Optional Accessories..........................................................................22

Order Form..............................................................................................23

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

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:49 PM Page 1

1 Pull lock tab down

to remove battery
cover.

2 Insert four “AAA”

batteries.Position
batteries according
to po l a ri ty marki n g s.

Operation

2

Note

Batteries not included with
microTALK 2-way radio.Always
use high quality alkaline or
NiMH batteries.

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

Incorrect positioning can
damage both the batteries
and the unit.

Note

When batteries are low
the i n d i ca tor
w i l lb l i n k .

Install Batteries

Battery
Installation

Operation

3

Note

You will be able to receive com­munications only when the
unit is in the FRS,AM/FRS and
FM/FRS modes.

Turning On Your microTALK

Turning
On Your
microTALK

1 Push and hold the POWER button for

3 seconds.An audible tone will indicate the
unit is on.(The unit will return to the mode
last selected before it was shut off).

Illuminating the Display

Illuminating
the Display

1 Push and release LIGHT/MAX RANGE

button to illuminate display for ten seconds.

PUSH &

HOLD

PUSH &

RELEASE

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 2

4

Operation

Note

To learn more about the range
of your microTALK,
see page 11.

Range is dependent on
battery condition and
geographic territory.

Auto Squelch

Maximum
Range
Extender

Maximum Range Extender

Au to squelch can be te m po ra rily re m oved to allow
all signals to enter (Maximum Range Exte n d e r ) .

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.

1 Push and hold LIGHT/MAX RANGE

button to allow all signals to enter.

Auto Monitor

Auto Monitor

When the signal you want to hear is consistently
weak,you may place the radio in Maximum Range
mode without having to constantly hold the but­ton:Press and hold the Maximum Range Extender
button for five seconds.To return to normal oper­ation,momentarily press the Maximum Range
Extender button again or change channels.

5

Se l e ct Ch a n n e l / St at i o n

1 Tu rn on the micro TA L K .

2 Press the Mode button to choose be tween five

d i f fe re nt mod e s :F R S ,A M ,A M / F R S ,FM and
FM/FRS (a double beep will co n f i rm each
s e l e ct i o n ) .

3 O n ce in a mod e, s e l e ct a channel and/or stat i o n

by moving the channel button up or dow n .

Select
Channel/
Station

Operation

PRESS

PUSH &

HOLD

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 4

Operation

6

Mode Key

Mode Key

The Mode key allows you to choose between five
different modes:FRS,AM,AM/FRS,FM and
FM/FRS.A double-beep will confirm each selec­tion.(If the unit has been turned on for a while it
will be necessary to hold the Mode key for 5 sec­onds in order to activate the selection process A
double-beep will be heard).

Press Mode key once to go to FRS mode and
select a channel by pressing channel button up
or down.Or,press Mode key again (within 5 sec­onds) to go to AM mode. Select a station by
pressing the channel button up or down.

Or,press Mode key again (within 5 seconds) to
go to AM/FRS mode.This enables you to listen to
your favorite AM station while still being able to
transmit or receive incoming FRS transmissions.

Press it again (within 5 seconds) to go to FM
mode.Select a station by pressing the channel
button up or down.

Press the Mode key again (within 5 seconds) to
go to FM/FRS mode.This enables you to listen to
your favorite FM station while still being able to
transmit or receive incoming FRS transmissions.

Note

Playing this unit primarily as a
radio severely diminishes the
lifespan of the batteries.

Note

See page 12 for Prog ra m m i n g
AM/FM Ste reo Tuner Ch a n n e l
M e m o ry Loca t i o n s.
You will be able to re ce i ve co m­m u n i cations only when the unit
is in the FRS,AM/FRS and
FM/FRS mod e s .

Operation

7

Battery Low

Note

When battery capacity is at
the 1/4 level it is recommended
that you replace alkaline bat­teries or recharge your NIMH
(Nickel Metal Hydride) battery
pack.

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

Note

NiMH rechargeable battery
Pack (item#FA-BP) and desktop
battery charger (item #FA-CR)
are not included with this unit.

Battery Low

When in normal use,the icon may begin
flashing.This is a warning to you that your
batteries are getting low.

Replace alkaline batteries as soon as possible or
recharge NiMH battery pack.

Note

To change modes after one has
been selected hold Mode butto n
until double -beep is heard.
Ch oose a new one by pre s s i n g
M ode button until desired selec­tion is re a c h e d .

PRESS

Note

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

Auto Battery Save

When in the FRS mode your FRS 115 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 and

will be shown in the display.

Auto Battery
Power Save

FLASHING

ICON

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 6

9

Operation

Note

While the TALK button is
depressed you cannot
receive incoming calls.

Note

Your microTALK radio must be
turned on to the same FRS
channel as the person you are
calling in order to communi­cate.

Talking To
Another Party

Talking To Another Party

3 Hold mic about

2 inches from
mouth.Speak in
a normal voice.

4 After speaking,

release TALK
button and listen
for response.

1 Push and hold

TALK button.

2The

i n d i cato rwill be
displayed.

Operation

8

Note

You can only receive FRS trans­missions while in one of the
following 3 modes:FRS,
AM/FRS or FM/FRS.
When in any of the above
modes you will receive incom­ing transmissions automatical­ly.Once transmission ceases
the unit will automatically
revert back to the previously
selected radio station.

Calling Another Party

To alert another party you wish to communicate
with them:

Turn on the microTALK 2-way radio.
Select any of the 14 channels by moving the
channel button up or down.

Push and release call button.The icon will
remain on for 3 seconds.The unit you are calling
will hear a 2-second ring tone.

Wait for the party’s response or proceed to
“Talking to Another Party” on next page.

Calling
Another Party

PUSH &

HOLD

PUSH &

RELEASE

RELEASE

RELEASE

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 8

Advanced Features

microTALK Range

Your micro T ALK Radio has a range of up to2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.

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

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

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

Note

To achieve maximum
range the auto squelch
can be overridden.Refer to
Maximum Range Extender sec­tion on page 5.

microTALK
Range

10

Operation

Roger Beep
Confirmation
Tone

Standby Mode

Note

While the TALK button
is depressed you cannot
receive incoming calls.

Standby Mode

When finished talking:

1 Release TALK button to receive incoming

transmissions.

Your microTALK is always in the standby mode
when the TALK button is not depressed (while
in the FRS,AM/FRS,FM/FRS mode).

2 Adjust volume by pushing

DOWN/UP buttons.

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

Roger Beep Confirmation Tone

11

Operation

RELEASE

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 10

Advanced Features

13

To set second memory station,tune to station,
press Mode button briefly,press Channel
up/down button until MEM 2 is reached,briefly
press Lock button (a double-beep will confirm
selection). Repeat above steps to store additional
stations.

Retrieving a Radio Station

To retrieve your favorite station press the Mode
button twice.The MEM icon will flash.

Press the Channel up/down key until the desired
station in the memory bank has been reached.

Repeat above to go to another station.
To return to manual tuning press the Mode but-

ton once and press the Channel up/down button
to reach the desired station.

To change to another mode hold the Mode but­ton in for 5 seconds until you hear a double-beep
and then continue to press until the desired
mode has been reached.

Retrieving a
Radio Station

Advanced Features

12

Note

To quickly advance stations
hold the Channel button down
until a double-beep is heard.
The stations will then scroll
rapidly.

Note

The headphone cord acts as a
radio antenna;try to keep cord
extended in a simple loop for
best reception.

Digital AM/FM Stereo

Your microTALK also functions as an AM/FM
stereo tuner.It provides complete coverage of all
AM and FM bands,in stereo, where available.The
stations are digitally tuned for improved ease of
selection and clarity of signal.

Selecting/Storing a Radio Station

Your microTALK has a ten station memory (5 AM,
5 FM ) for storing your favorite stations.

Press Mode button to select AM or FM.

Push Channel up/down button until desired

channel is reached.

Press Mode button once.MEM 1 will flash. Briefly
press Lock button.A double-beep will indicate
selection has been entered.

Digital
AM/FM Stereo

PRESS

PUSH

UP/DOWN

PRESS

BRIEFLY

PRESS

PUSH

UP/DOWN

Selecting/
Storing a
Radio Station

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 12

15

Making 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:

microTALK
2-Way Radio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer

Talking with fellow
hikers.

Keeping track
of the kids in a
shopping mall.

Communicating
between basement
and first,second or
third floor.

Talking to a
neighbor or a
friend.

14

Advanced Features

Note

Call button,Range Extender
button and PTT button do not

lock and are fully
operational while the unit is

locked.
The unit cannot lock while in
function mode.

Lock Function
(in FRS Mode)

Lock Function (in FRS Mode)

The purpose of the LOCK function is to lock most
buttons to avoid accidental operation.

To engage the LOCK function:

1 Push and release button. icon flashes.

most buttons are locked.

2 To“unlock” push and release button

again.Buttons are“unlocked”and icon
disappears.

PUSH &

RELEASE

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 14

17

E x t e rnal Headphone Jack

Note

Plugging in headphone defeats
main speaker.

Exte rnal Headphone Ja c k

An external headphone jack is included with your
microtalk 2-way radio.

To attach the headphone jack:
1 Insert plug into the Headphone jack.

External
Headphone
Jack

Exte rnal Mi c ro p h o n e / Spe a ke r

Your microTALK 2-Way Radio can be fitted with
an external microphone/speaker,(not included)
freeing your hands for other tasks.
To attach an external microphone/speaker:

1 Insert plug into the Spkr/Mic jack.

16

Checking on traveling
companions in
another car.

Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.

Holster/Belt Clip/Desk Stand

Your microTALK Radio comes with a custom mold­ed plastic holster.Its unique dual-function design
enables it to act as a handy desktop storage unit,
as well as easily attaching to your belt for maxi­mum convenience and portability.

1. Desk Stand 2. Belt Clip

Holster­Belt Clip and
Desk Stand

Making Life Easier and Safer

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 16

I.GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

A.FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT

CH 1: 462.5625MHz CH 8: 467.5625MHz
CH2: 462.5875MHz CH 9: 467.5875MHz
CH 3: 462.6125MHz CH 10: 467.6125MHz
CH 4: 462.6375MHz CH 11: 467.6375MHz
CH 5: 462.6625MHz CH 12: 467.6625MHz
CH 6: 462.6875MHz CH 13: 467.6875MHz
CH 7: 462.7125MHz CH 14: 467.7125MHz

C.RECEIVER

UNIT NOMINAL

1. SENSITIVITY
FOR 12 DB SINAD dBm -119
FOR CALL SIG.DETECTION dB m -121

2. MAX.AUDIO OUTPUT @10% THD mW 150

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

4. SQUELCH
a) SENSITIVITY dB m -121

19

microTALK Specifications

Caring for Your Radio

19

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

Avoid exposure
to extreme
temperatures.

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

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.

Handle unit gently. Keep away

from dust.

18

Caring for your Radio

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 18

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its
COBRA 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 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
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 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 limita-

Cobra Electronics
Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago,Illinois 60707

21

Limited Two Year Warranty

20

b) ATTACK TIME mS 120
c) CLOSING TIME mS 200

5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESP.
@ 300 HZ dB -15
@ 2500 HZ dB -10

6. SIGNAL DISPLACEMENT BW +/-KHZ 5

7. ADJACENT CH.REJECTION dB 60

8. INTERMODULATION REJECTION dB 65

9. SPURIOUS RESPONSE REJECTION dB 65

D.TRANSMITTER

UNIT NOMINAL

1. EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER mW 500

2. CARRIER FREQ.STABILIT Y H z 200

3. MODULATION LIMITING KHz 2.5

4. CARRIER ATTACK TIME mS 30

5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESPONSE

@ 300 HZ dB -10
@ 2500 HZ dB 4

6. AUDIO DISTORTION % 3

7. HUM NOISE dB 38

8. TRANSIENT FREQ.BEHAVIOR

a) TX ON mS 30
b) TXOFF mS 5

E.POWER SUPPLY

1. BATTERY LIFE (1:1:18 RATIO) HR 24

2. BATTERY V 4.2 - 6.0

microTALK Specifications

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 20

2 Port Desktop Charger

Charges two microTALK radios
or two NiMH battery packs.
FA- C R $ 1 9 . 9 5

23

Accessory Order Form

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 7–10 days for delivery.Offer 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 - 6:00 pm, M-F, CST.

Make check or money order (no
stamps) payable to:
Cobra Electronics
Accessories Dept.
6500 West Cortland St. Chicago, IL
6 0 7 0 7

$25.00 and under $4.75
$25.01 - $40.00 $6.95
$40.01 - $80.00 $ 9 . 2 5
$80.01 - $120.00 $ 1 0 . 2 5
$120.01 - $160.00 $ 1 1 . 7 5
$160.01 and up $14.50

Amount Shipping/
of Order Handling

Shipping & Handling

For AK,HI and PR please
add an additional $15.00
for UPS shipments.

Subtotal
(Tax if applicable)
Shipping/handling

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 %
Ohio residents add 6%
Wisconsin residents add 5%

Prices subject to change without notice.

FA-HR1 Replacement Holster $4.95
MA-VOX Vox Headset Mic $49.95
MA-EBM Ear Bud Mic with PTT $29.95
MA-SM Lapel Speaker/ Microphone $24.95
FA-BP Battery $29.95
FA-CR Charger $19.95

Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount

NiMH Rechargeable

Battery Pack

High performance Nickel
Metal Hydride battery pack for
multiple charging.
FA-BP $ 2 9 . 9 5

22

Vox Headset Mic

VOX (Voice Operated
Transmitter) headset and
microphone allows
hands-free operation.
MA-VOX $49.95

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.-6 p.m. M-F CST.)

Order by mail or fax

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

Order over the Web

www.cobraelectronics.com

Ear Bud Mi c
with PTT

Co m p a ct earbud and micro-

phone with Pu s h - to - T alk switc h .

M A- E B M $29.95

Lapel Speaker/

Microphone

Remote microphone/speaker
with Push-to-Talk switch.
M A- S M $ 2 4 . 9 5

Replacement
Holster

FA- H R 1 $ 4 . 9 5

Optional Accessories

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 22

2Way Radio

O pe rating Instru ctions for your

Nothing comes close to a Co b ra ™

Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60707

Cobra Electronics Corp.© 2000
Printed in China

Part No. 480-115-P-001

For te c h n i cal assistance,please call our Au to m a ted Help Desk which can assist
you by answering 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 - 6:00 pm,Monday through Friday,CST.

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

www.cobraelectronics.comor 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 of 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.

IfYou Think You Need Service

FRS 115

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 24

The Family Radio Service Story

A1

1

2

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 115 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. 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. Holster/Belt Clip/Desk Stand

2. Stereo Headphones

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 26

Controls and Indicators

A2

6

7

9 1 1

1 0

3

5

1

2

8

4

1

2

9

1 1

1 0

1 2

1 3

1 4

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra FRS 115
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

Co b ra Cu s tomer Se rv i ce

L i ve ope ra tors are available
M-F 8:00 am - 6:00 pm CST at:

773.889.3087

Au to m a ted Te c h n i cal As s i s t a n ce
available 24 hours a day,s eve n
d ays a we e k .E-mail questions to :
p rod u c t info @ co b ra e l e ct r n i c s. co m

Co b r a on the Wo rld Wide We b :
Fre q u e n t ly As ked Questions (FAQ )
can be found on-line at:
w w w. co b ra e l e ct ro n i c s. co m

1 3

1. Antenna

2. Microphone/Speaker/

Headphone Jack

3. On/Off Power Button

4. LCD Display Panel

5. Light/Max Range Button

6. Down/Up Volume Control

7. Speaker
8 . Battery Compartment

9. Talk Button

10. Call Button

11. Channel Select Button

12. Battery Charge

Pads

13. Mode Key

14. Key Lock

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 27

The Co b ra line of quality prod u cts
also includes:

• CB Ra d i o s

• High Gear Ac ce s s o ri e s

• Radar De te cto r s

• Sa fe ty Al e rt

™

Traffic Wa rning Sys te m s

Nothing comes close to a Co b ra

™

FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 29