How to Use Your Cobra 29 LX MAX
Features ..................................................................................................................1
The CB Story ..........................................................................................................A1
FCC Regulations, FCC Warnings & Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators .........................................................................................A2
Our Thanks to You ..............................................................................................A3
Customer Support
Installation
Location & Mounting/Connection ...........................................................2
Antennas
CB Antenna & Marine Installation ............................................................6-7
Ignition Noise Interference.............................................................................7
Operating Your 29 LX MAX
Turning On Your CB ......................................................................................8
Setting Channel Selector.............................................................................9
Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio).............................................10
To Receive .........................................................................................................12
Selecting a Channel & S-Meter .................................................................13
To Transmit.......................................................................................................14
Setting Dynamike® .............................................................................................15
Setting Talkback .............................................................................................15
Menu Mode ......................................................................................................16
Setting the Clock ............................................................................................17
Setting the Alarm ................................................................................................17
Setting the Count Down Timer .................................................................18
Key Tones Mode ..................................................................................................18
Radio Check Mode ..............................................................................................19
Setting Display Color Mode .......................................................................20
Setting Brightness Mode .............................................................................21
Turn NightWatch Illumination On/Off .......................................................21
Setting Contrast Mode .....................................................................................22
Bluetooth® Pairing ...................................................................................... 22-23
iRadar Smartphone App .......................................................................... 24-27
Downloading the App .................................................................................24
Pairing the Radio to Use with iRadar ......................................................24
AURA® Location Based Alerts ....................................................................25
iRadar® Community, Using Report Button, Radar Threat Alerts ...27
Rewind-Say-Again® ............................................................................................28
Playback Last Transmission .......................................................................28
Record 10 Second Memo ...........................................................................28
Weather Information .........................................................................................29
Weather Channels .........................................................................................29
Weather Alert Mode ......................................................................................30
Setting Weather Alert Scan and Auto Scan..........................................30
Software Version/Factory Settings ..........................................................31
NB-ANL/Off (Noise Blanker/Automatic Noise Limiter Switch) ......32
Setting Delta Tune & RF Gain Control ....................................................32
Program Memory Channels ...........................................................................33
Scan/Memory Scan, Scan Memory Channels & CB Channels ........34
Dimmer Control ..............................................................................................34
Setting Squelch...............................................................................................35
S/RF Meter ........................................................................................................36
External Speaker, Push-To-Talk & Mic Jack ...........................................37
Home And Office Set-Up .............................................................................38
Temporary Mobile Set-Up ..........................................................................39
How Your CB Can Serve You ..........................................................................40
A Few Rules You Should Know .................................................................40
Channel 9 Emergency Messages ..............................................................41
CB 10 Codes .....................................................................................................42
Frequency Ranges ..............................................................................................44
29 LX MAX Specifications ................................................................................45
Warranty Information .......................................................................................46
FCC Statement ...............................................................................................48-49
Optional Accessories .........................................................................................50
If You Need Service/Trademark Info ........................................ Back Cover
Features of This Product
• Selectable 4-Color LCD Display
• Advanced Bluetooth® Connectivity
• Rewind-Say-Again®
• Memo Record
• iRadar App Integration
• Report Feature
• NightWatch® Illumination
• 10 Weather Channels
• Weather Scan
• Emergency Weather Alert
• 40 CB Radio Channels
• 40 Channel Scan
• Memory Channels
• Channel Frequency Read-Out
• Radio Check Diagnostic
• Clock/Timer/Alarm
• Multi-Function Heavy-Duty Electret
Microphone with Phone, RewindSay-Again® & Report Functions
• Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output
• SWR Calibration Meter
• Instant Channel 19 and 9
• Front Panel 6-Pin Microphone
Connector
• Switchable Automatic Noise Limiter
& Noise Blanker
• Adjustable Dynamike Boost
• Tactile Controls
• 9 Ft Mic Cord
• Programmable Dimmer Control
• RF Gain
• External Push-To-Talk Jack
• External Microphone Jack
Bluetooth® Features
• Dual Point Bluetooth®
• Caller I.D.
• A2DP Audio Streaming
• Phone Directory
1
Installation
Note
The transceiver is held in the
universal mounting bracket by
two thumbscrews which allow
for adjustment at a convenient
angle.
Location
Plan a location of the transceiver and microphone
bracket before starting the installation.
Select a location that is convenient for operation, yet
does not interfere with the driver or the passenger.
The transceiver is usually mounted to the underside of
the dash with the microphone bracket beside it.
Mounting and Connection
1
Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in the
exact desired location. If there is no interference,
remove the bracket and use it as a template to
mark the location for the mounting screws.
Installation
ANT
EXT MIC EXT. PTT EXT.SP.
+POWER–
The bracket includes two
self-tapping screws and star
washers. The mounting must
be mechanically strong and
conveniently located.
2
Drill the pilot and secure the bracket.
3
Connect the antenna cable plug to the receptacle
marked “ANT” on the back of the unit.
continued
32
Installation
1.5
2
3
CAL
NB/ANL
WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
DYNAMIKE
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MIN OFF
Note
Before installing the CB
radio, visually check the
vehicle’s battery connection
to determine which terminal
is positive or negative. A
negatively grounded vehicle
has its negative lead grounded
to the chassis.
Note
Connecting to an accessory fuse
prevents the unit from being left
on accidentally, operating the
unit without running the engine
when the ignition is set to the
accessory position.
Note
The CB must be connected to
constant 12V power to use the
clock and alarm functions.
Note
When connected to an
accessory fuse, unit will self test
the emergency weather alert
automatically when ignition is
turned on. As a result, the CB
radio will briefly turn itself on
and then off again.
Note
The Clock/Timer feature needs
to be reset when connected to
a switched accessory fuse.
Note
The radio should be connected
to a constant 12V source to
maintain the time when the
radio is turned off. This should
also be considered if using the
radio’s alarm clock function.
4
Connect the red lead of the DC power cord to an
accessory 12 volt fuse or directly to the battery.
Connect the black lead to the negative side of the
vehicle electrical system. This is usually the chassis.
5
Any convenient location with a good electrical
contact (remove paint) may be used.
Installation
ANT
6
Plug the power cable into the back of the unit
marked “Power”. Be sure to observe polarity
markings.
Mount the microphone
7
bracket on either side of
the unit using the two
screws supplied.
The bracket should be
placed under the dash
so the microphone is
readily accessible.
NB/ANL
S/RF
SWR/CAL
8
Attach the microphone cable to the receptacle on
the front of the unit and install the unit in the
bracket securely.
EXT MIC EXT. PTT EXT.SP.
+POWER–
SWR
ANL
S/RF
RF
SWR
CAL
SIG
SQ
VOL
OFF MIN
1
3
RF GAIN
TX
RX
5
7
9
+30dB
MAX
H
S
U
E
P
N
T
U
E
N
E
M
R
Note
If the microphone is not
MEM
connected, audio will not
be heard at the speaker.
54
Antennas
Ignition Noise Interference
Note
For optimum performance
in passenger cars the ideal
antenna location is on the
center of the roof.
Second choice is on the center
of the trunk.
Note
Because many newer trucks
feature fiberglass door skins,
the outside mirror must be
grounded to the chassis via a
ground strap, if the antenna is
mounted on the mirror bracket.
Note
3-way Combination Antennas
are also available which allow
operation of all three bands
(AM-FM & CB), using a single
antenna. However, this type
of antenna usually results in
less than normal transmit and
receive range when compared
to a standard-type “Single
Band” CB antenna.
Call 773-889-3087 for further
information.
CB Antenna
Since the maximum allowable power output of the
transmitter is limited by the FCC, the antenna is critical
in affecting the transmission distance. Only a properly
matched antenna system will allow maximum power
output. Loaded type antenna models are highly recommended for most installations. The 29 LX MAX includes
a weather mode (WX), a Dual Band (Center Load/Base
Load) antenna is recommended. Consult your Cobra
dealer for further details, or call 773.889.3087 and speak to
a Cobra representative.
ANT
1
A standard antenna connector is provided
on the transceiver for easy connection.
EXT MIC EXT. PTT EXT.SP.
+POWER–
Use of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is normally
limited by the presence of electrical noise. The primary
source of noise in automobiles is from the alternator
and ignition system. Typically, when the signal level is
adequate, the background noise does not present a
serious problem. Also, when extremely low level signals
are being received, the transceiver may be operated with
the vehicle’s engine turned off. The unit requires very
little current and therefore will not significantly discharge
the vehicle’s battery.
Even though the Cobra 29 LX MAX has an automatic noise
limiter, in some installations ignition interference
may be
high enough to make good communications challenging.
Many possibilities exist and variations between vehicles
require different solutions. Consult with your Cobra
dealer or radio technician for help in locating the source
of severe noise.
Marine Installation
The transceiver will not operate at maximum efficiency
in a boat without a ground plane, (unless it has a steel
hull). Before attempting installation , consult your dealer
for information regarding an adequate grounding system
and prevention of electrolysis between fittings in the hull
and water.
6
7
Operation
U
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFF
1.5
2
3
CAL
SWR
NB/ANL
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
N
T
E
R
DYNAMIKE
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MIN OFF
Operation
Turning On the Radio
Setting Channel Selector
Make sure the power cord, antenna and microphone
are connected to their proper connectors before
starting.
NB/ANL
S/RF
SWR/CAL
VOL
OFF MIN
ANL
S/RF
RF
5
3
1
SIG
SQ
RF GAIN
RX
7
9
+30dB
U
N
E
M
MAX
VOL DYNAMIKERF GAIN DELTA TUNE
H
S
U
E
P
3
Select one of forty channels. The selected channel
(1 through 40) will be indicated by the readout
NB/ANL
ANL
S/RF
SWR
CAL
1.5
SWR
RF
1
SIG
SQ
MIN
CAL
TX
RX
5
3
7
9
+30dB
MAX
P
U
N
E
M
MEM WX !
H
S
U
E
N
T
E
R
MIN
3
2
directly above the channel selector knob
1
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to turn
the unit on and adjust to a normal listening level.
SCAN CH 9/19
MEM SCAN
MEM WX !
H
S
U
E
P
N
T
E
R
2
Press the CB/WX button to change between CB and
weather modes.
DYNAMIKE
MIN OFF
DELTA TUNE
CB/WX
T BACK
DIM
ESC
SWR
CAL
8
9
Operation
SCAN CH 9/19
N
TX
RX
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
M
E
N
U
P
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
DYNAMIKE
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MIN OFF
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFF
Calibrate for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)
SWR calibration is done to properly adjust the length of
the antenna and to monitor the quality of the coaxial
cable and all RF connections.
This calibration is critical in order to achieve optimum
performance.
3
2
1.5
NB/ANL
SWR
ANL
S/RF
S/RF
1
Set the radio to channel 20.
RF
SIG
SQ
VOL DYNAMIKERF GAIN DELTA TUNE
OFF MIN
1
3
NB/ANL
5
7
9
CAL
+30dB
MAX
S/RF
SWR/CAL
RX
MEM WX !
H
S
U
E
P
N
T
U
E
N
R
E
M
MIN
3
2
RF
SWR
SIG
1.5
1
CAL
5
3
7
9
+30dB
NB/ANL
ANL
CAL
PUSH &
HOLD
3
Push and hold the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button.
MEM WX !
T
E
R
DYNAMIKE
MIN OFF
DELTA TUNE
MEM SCAN
CB/WX
T BACK
DIM
ESC
SWR
CAL
Operation
Note
Calibration must be made
in an open area (never in a
garage). The vehicle ‘s doors
must be closed. No one should
be standing near the antenna.
(
See your antenna directions for
more complete information).
Note
The reading will be slightly
higher on Channels 1 and 40
compared to Channel 20.
SQ
VOL
OFF MIN
2
Press S/RF-SWR/CAL button to select CAL.
RF GAIN
MAX
4
While holding the
PTT adjust the
SWR CAL knob so
the meter swings
to the CAL mark
on the right side of
the meter.
continued
1110
Operation
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
N
T
E
R
DYNAMIKE
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
DYNAMIKE
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
MIN OFF
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
U
S
H
E
N
T
E
R
DYNAMIKE
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFF
Operation
Note
When switched to SWR
mode the meter reading
should ideally be as far to the
left as possible. Anything over
3 is not acceptable. A slight
antenna height adjustment
(higher or lower) may be
required. Repeat recalibration
steps.
Calibrate for SWR continued
3
NB/ANL
VOL
ANL
SWR
SQ
NB/ANL
Release the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button and press and
5
S/RF
SWR/CAL
2
1.5
SWR
5
3
7
1
SIG +30dB
9
RF GAIN
CAL
RX
TX
U
N
E
M
release the
S/RF-SWR/CAL button to the SWR position. Then
press the PTT button to read the SWR reading.
Repeat the same steps two through five on Channel 1
6
and 40. This will check SWR for all channels.
To Receive
3
2
NB/ANL
NB/ANL
S/RF
SWR/CAL
1
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise.
While receiving, the RX icon will be displayed and the
lower portion of the meter will show the incoming
signal strength.
12
ANL
S/RF
VOL
OFF MIN
1.5
SWR
RF
1
SIG
SQ
RF GAIN
CAL
5
3
7
9
+30dB
MAX
RX
S
U
P
U
N
E
M
H
P
E
H
S
U
N
T
E
R
E
Selecting A Channel
3
2
1.5
NB/ANL
SWR
ANL
S/RF
RF
1
SIG
SQ
VOL DYNAMIKERF GAIN DELTA TUNE
MIN
1
Rotate the Channel Selector clockwise or counter-
clockwise to select the desired channel.
S-Meter
The S-Meter swings proportionately to the strength of
the incoming signal when receiving.
NB/ANL
ANL
S/RF
VOL
1
SQ
The S/RF-SWR/CAL button must be set in the S/RF
setting to read the meter.
CAL
RX
5
3
7
9
+30dB
P
U
N
E
M
MAX
2
1.5
SWR
3
1
SIG +30dB
MEM WX !
H
S
U
E
N
T
E
R
MIN
3
5
CAL
7
9
RF GAIN
RX
M
P
U
N
E
13
PUSH &
HOLD
Operation
TX
RX
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
/WX
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFFMAX
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFF
Operation
Caution!
Be sure the antenna is properly
connected to the radio before
transmitting. Transmitting
without an antenna, or a
poorly matched antenna, could
cause damage to the transmitter.
Be sure to read the F.C.C. Rules
and Regulations included with
this unit before transmitting.
To Transmit
NB/ANL
SWR
ANL
S/RF
RF
1
SIG
SQ
VOL DYNAMIKERF GAIN DELTA TUNE
MIN
1
Select a desired channel.
CAL
TX
5
3
7
9
+30dB
MAX
P
U
N
E
M
MEM WX !
H
S
U
E
N
T
E
R
MIN
3
2
1.5
Transmit
2
Push and hold the PTT button to transmit.
When transmitting, hold the microphone two inches
from your mouth and speak in a clear, normal voice.
Release PTT button to receive.
Setting Dynamike®
This controls the microphone sensitivity
(outgoing audio level).
H
S
U
P
U
N
E
M
3
Initially, set Dynamike fully clockwise so that
MEM WX !
E
N
T
E
R
DYNAMIKE
MIN
DELTA TUNE
CB
maximum voice volume is available. The Dynamike
may have to be reduced in some conditions.
Setting TalkBack
This control is used to adjust the desired amount of
modulation talk back present at the speaker during
transmit.
At the fully counter-clockwise position the TalkBack
is Off.
DYNAMIKE
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
MIN OFF
SWR
CAL
1514
Operation
SIG
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
TX
RX
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
P
U
S
H
E
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFF
SIG
RF
+30dB
1
1.5
2
3
CAL
3
5
7
9
SWR
TX
RX
MEM WX !
ESC
MEM SCAN
SCAN CH 9/19
DIM
CB/WX
P
U
S
H
E
DELTA TUNE
T BACK
SWR
CAL
OFF
SQ
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX/
DIM
SCAN
PA
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX/
DIM
SCAN
PA
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX/
DIM
SCAN
PA
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
Operation
Note
Use DIM/ESC button to exit
from any menu back to CB
standby mode.
Menu Mode
Pressing the Menu/Enter knob is used to enter the menu
and to select.
Rotating the Menu/Enter knob is used to move the cursor.
N
T
U
N
E
M
MIN
MAX
Rotate the Menu/Enter knob clockwise and counterclockwise to navigate the menu levels.
E
M
MIN
MAX
Press the Menu/Enter knob to select.
Level 1: Level 2:
SET CLOCK
ALARM CLOCK
SET COUNT DOWN
Level 3: Level 4:
WX AUTO SCAN
DISPLAY COLOR
BRIGHTNESS
16
Level 5:
SETTING
BLUETOOTH
EXIT
U
N
E
R
MIN
N
T
E
R
KEY TONES
WX ALERT
WX ALERT SCAN
NW LIGHTING
CONTRAST
RADIO CHECK
DYNAMIKERF GAIN
MIN
DYNAMIKERF GAIN
Setting the Clock
To set the clock, press the Menu/Enter knob and select
Set Clock.
CLOCK IS OFF
SET CLOCK
TURN CLOCK ON
Press again to set the clock.
• Rotate the Menu/Enter knob to select the hour,
minutes and AM/PM.
• Press the Menu/Enter knob to save each value.
SET AM-PM
11:30 PM
Note
The clock will not appear on the
display if the time has not yet
been set.
Note
The radio should be connected to
a constant 12V source to maintain
the time when the radio is turned
off.
Note
The clock will be displayed in the
top right corner of the display
SAVE AND EXIT
Press the Menu/Enter knob to SAVE and EXIT.
Setting the Alarm
Your 29 LX MAX can be utilized as an alarm clock.
To set the alarm, press the Menu/Enter knob and select
Alarm Clock.
ALARM IS OFF
SET ALARM TIME
TURN ALARM ON
Press SET ALARM TIME.
• Rotate the Menu/Enter knob to select a value.
• Press the Menu/Enter knob to save.
Press the Menu/Enter knob to set AM/PM. Press Menu/
Enter knob to save and proceed to set the Set Snooze
Length or EXIT.
17
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX/
DIM
SCAN
RF POWER OUTPUT
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX/
DIM
SCAN
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX/
DIM
SCAN
ANTENNA
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX/
DIM
SCAN
Operation
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
ALARM LENGTH
ESC
MEM SCAN
CH 9/
19
CB/ WX
DIM
SCAN
Operation
Note
Default snooze time length
is 10 minutes.
Note
Use DIM/ESC button to exit
from any menu back to CB
standby mode.
Note
Default alarm length
is 60 seconds and is set in
10 second increments.
Note
Once count down time
is complete, there will be
audio tones for 5 seconds.
Setting the Alarm continued
Once the alarm settings are complete, rotate the Menu/Enter
knob clockwise to Set Snooze and press Menu/Enter to select.
EXIT
SET SNOOZE
Select the desired snooze time (from 1 to 60 minutes). Press
Enter to save and exit, return to Set Snooze or Alarm
Length. Select Alarm Length to set the alarm duration
(from 10 to 300 seconds). Press the Menu/Enter knob save
and exit.
Setting the Count Down Timer
To set the count down timer, press Menu/Enter knob and
select Set Count Down.
SET CLOCK
ALARM CLOCK
SET COUNT DOWN
Follow the instructions in Setting the Clock section (page
17) to set the count down hour and minutes. Once the
desired count down time is selected, press the Menu/Enter
knob again to save and exit.
Key Tones Mode On and Off
Press the Menu/Enter knob and select Key Tones.
Press the Menu/Enter to set Key Tones On/Off.
TX
RX
SET KEY TONES
ON
OFF
Radio Check Mode
Allows testing of important radio functions. Press Menu/
Enter knob and select RADIO CHECK.
Press Menu/Enter to select 1st test, 2nd test and 3rd test.
Test 1- Battery Level: Confirms that battery voltage level is
between 10.8 V to 15.8 V. If in that range, it is PASS. Outside
of that range, either FAIL LOW or FAIL HIGH will be
displayed. Press Menu/Enter knob to advance to next test.
1
2
3
Test 2- RF Power Output: Confirms a 3.3 to 4 Watt output
level. Once the PTT button is pressed, Pass or Fail will be
displayed if the level is outside the limits.
1
2
PASS
3
RF POWER OUTPUT
FAIL
Test 3- Antenna Mismatch Warning: Press the
PTT button to check for proper matching.
1
PRESS PTT
TO CHECK
ANTENNA
Note
Use DIM/ESC button to exit
and return to CB standby
mode. If 10 seconds pass or if
Enter button pressed, unit goes
to 2nd test.
Note
Press PTT within 10 seconds or
unit will go to the next test.
Note
Use DIM/ESC button to exit and
return to CB standby mode. If 10
seconds pass or if Enter
button pressed, go to 3rd test.
Note
If 10 seconds pass or if
Menu/Enter knob is pressed,
testing is complete. Unit will
return to CB Standby mode.
Rotate the Menu/Enter knob to select On/Off and press
the Menu/Enter knob to exit to main menu.
18
2
PASS
3
ANTENNA
FAIL
19
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