Cobra Electronics 29 LTD SE User Manual

How to Use Your

Contents

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

The CB Story.........................................................................................A1

Industry Canada Notice FCC Regulations and Warnings Included Accessories

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

Our Thanks to You.............................................................................A3

Customer Support

Installation

Location .............................................................................................2

Mounting and Connection .........................................................2

Antennas

CB Antenna.......................................................................................6

Marine Installation .........................................................................6

Ignition Noise Interference ..........................................................7

Operating Your 29 LTD SE

Turning On Your CB........................................................................8

Setting Channel Selector .............................................................9

Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)..............................10

To Receive..........................................................................................13

Selecting a Channel .......................................................................14

S-Meter ...............................................................................................14

NB-ANL/ANL/Off (Noise Blanker/Automatic.........................15

Noise Limiter Switch)

Bright/Dim Switch ..........................................................................16

RF Gain Control................................................................................17

Setting Delta-Tune .........................................................................18

Setting Squelch ...............................................................................18

To Transmit........................................................................................20

Setting Dynamike® ........................................................................20

Transmit..............................................................................................21

TalkBack..............................................................................................21

RF Meter .............................................................................................22

External Speaker .............................................................................23

PA (Public Address) ........................................................................24

Home And Office Set-Up .............................................................26

Temporary Mobile Set-Up ...........................................................27

How Your CB Can Serve You..........................................................28

A Few Rules You Should Know..................................................28

Channel 9 Emergency Messages ..............................................28

CB 10 Codes......................................................................................30

Frequency Ranges.............................................................................32

29 LTD SE Specifications ................................................................33

Warranty Information .....................................................................34

Optional Accessories .................................................................35-36

Accessory Order Info .......................................................................37

If You Think You Need Service...................................Back Cover

Cobra 29 LTD SE

Features of This Product

• 40 CB Radio Channels

• Special Edition Chrome Cabinet & Microphone

• Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone

• Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output

• SWR Calibration Meter

• Talk Back

• Instant Channel 9

• 4-Pin Front Mount Microphone Connector

• Delta -Tune

• Switchable Automatic Noise Limiter & Noise Blanker

• Adjustable Dynamike® Boost

• 9 Ft. Mic Cord

• RF Gain

Installation

Location

Mounting and Connection

Note

The transceiver is held in the universal mounting bracket by two thumbscrews which allow for adjustment at a convenient angle.

The bracket includes two self-tapping screws and star washers.The mounting must be mechanically strong, conveniently located.

Location

Plan location of transceiver and microphone bracket before starting the installation.

Select a location that is convenient for operation, yet does not interfere with the driver or passenger.

The transceiver is usually mounted to the underside of the dash with the microphone bracket beside it.

Mounting and Connection

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.

Connect the antenna cable plug to the receptacle marked “ANT” on the back of the unit.

Drill the holes and secure the bracket.

continued

Installation

Note

Connecting to an accessory fuse prevents the unit from being left on accidentally,and also permits operating the unit without running the engine.

Note

In positive ground vehicles the red wire goes to the chassis and the black wire is connected to the ignition switch.

Note

Before installing the CB radio, visually check the vehicle’s battery connection to determine which terminal, positive or negative, is grounded (positive is the larger of the two) to the engine block (or chassis). A negatively grounded vehicle has its negative lead grounded to the chassis.

In a negative grounded vehicle, connect the red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory 12 volt fuse.

Connect the black lead to the negative side of the vehicle. This is usually the chassis. Any convenient location with a good electrical contact (remove paint) may be used.

Plug power cable into back of unit marked “Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.

Mount the microphone bracket on either side of the unit (driver’s left) using two screws supplied. Bracket should be placed under the dash so microphone is readily accessible.

Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to receptacle, on the front of unit and install unit on bracket securely.

Installation

Antennas

Ignition Noise Interference

CB Antenna

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 when 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 transmission distance. Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maximum power output. Cobra loaded type antenna models are highly recommended for most installations. Consult your Cobra dealer for further details, or call 773.889.3087 and speak to a Cobra representative.

A standard antenna connector is provided on the transceiver for easy connection.

Marine Installation

The transceiver will not operate at maximum efficiency in a boat without a ground plate, (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.

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 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 LTD SE has an automatic noise limiter, in some installations ignition interference may be high enough to make good communications impossible. Many possibilities exist and variations between vehicles require different solutions. Consult your COBRA dealer or a 2-way radio technician for help in locating the source of a severe noise.

Operation

EDITION

Operation

Turning On Setting Channel

Turning On

Make sure the power cord, antenna and microphone are connected to their proper connectors before starting.

The CB/PA button should be in the CB position.

Setting Channel Selector

Select one of forty channels and adjust volume.The selected channel is indicated by the LED readout directly above the channel selector knob

Selector

Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to a normal listening level.

Operation

Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)

Note

Antenna Indicator LED will illuminate when TX if SWR is high.

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.

Select channel 20.

Push and hold mic button.

Note

Calibration must be made in an open area (never in a garage). Vehicle doors must be closed. No one should be standing near the antenna. (See your antenna directions for more complete information).

Switch to the CAL position.

While holding mic button adjust the SWR CAL knob so the meter needle swings to the CAL ▼ mark on the meter (located on the right).

continued

1110

Operation

Note

The reading will be slightly higher on Channels 1 and 40 compared to Channel 20.

Note

When switched to SWR position the meter needle should ideally be as far to the left as possible. Anything over 3 is not acceptable.The antenna indicator will light. A slight antenna height adjustment (higher or lower) may be required.Repeat relcalibration steps.

While still holding down the mic button, set the S/RF SWR CAL switch to the SWR position, to read the SWR reading.

Repeat the same steps two through five on Channel 1 and 40. This will check SWR for all channels.

To Receive

Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise the green RX/TX LED will be illuminated.

To Receive

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