Cobra Electronics 29 LX LE User Manual

How to Use Your Cobra 29 LX LE
Contents
Features .........................................................................................................1
The CB Story .................................................................................................A1
FCC Regulations FCC Warnings Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators ................................................................................A2
Our Thanks to You .....................................................................................A3
Customer Support
Installation
Antennas
Operating Your 29 LX LE
Turning On Your CB ..............................................................................8
Setting Channel Selector .................................................................... 9
Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) ....................................10
To Receive ................................................................................................12
Selecting a Channel .............................................................................. 13
S-Meter ......................................................................................................13
To Transmit .............................................................................................. 14
Setting Dynamike® ...............................................................................15
Menu Mode .............................................................................................16
Radio Check Mode ................................................................................17
Setting Display Color Mode ...............................................................18
Setting Brightness Mode ....................................................................19
Setting Contrast Mode ........................................................................19
Weather Information ............................................................................20
Weather Channels .................................................................................21
Weather Alert Mode .............................................................................22
Setting Weather Alert Scan................................................................ 22
Setting Weather Auto Scan ............................................................... 22
Key Tones Mode .................................................................................... 23
Software version/Factory Settings .................................................. 23
NB-ANL/Off (Noise Blanker/Automatic.......................................... 24
Noise Limiter Switch)
RF Gain Control ......................................................................................24
Program Memory Channels ...............................................................25
Scan/Memory Scan ............................................................................... 25
Scan CB Channels .................................................................................. 29
Scan Memory Channels ...................................................................... 26
Dimmer Control .....................................................................................26
Setting Squelch ...................................................................................... 26
S/RF Meter ................................................................................................28
External Speaker ....................................................................................29
PA (Public Address) ...............................................................................30
Home And Office Set-Up ....................................................................32
Temporary Mobile Set-Up ..................................................................33
How Your CB Can Serve You .................................................................34
A Few Rules You Should Know ........................................................34
Channel 9 Emergency Messages .....................................................34
CB 10 Codes .............................................................................................36
Frequency Ranges .....................................................................................38
29 LX LE Specifications ............................................................................39
Warranty Information ..............................................................................40
Optional Accessories ................................................................................41
Optional Accessories Order Info .........................................................42
If You Need Service/Trademark Info ................................Back Cover
Features of This Product
• Selectable 4-Color LCD Display
• 10 Weather Channels
• Weather Scan
• Emergency Weather Alert
• 40 CB Radio Channels
• 40 Channel Scan
• Memory Channels
• Channel Frequency Read-Out
• Radio Check Diagnostic
• Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone
• Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output
• SWR Calibration Meter
• Instant Channel 19 and 9
• Front Panel 4-Pin Microphone Connector
• Switchable Automatic Noise Limiter & Noise Blanker
• Adjustable Dynamike Boost
• Tactile Controls
• 9 Ft Mic Cord
• Programmable Dimmer Control
• RF Gain
1
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 self­tapping 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
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.
2
Drill the holes and secure the bracket.
2
3
Connect the antenna cable plug to the recep-
tacle marked “ANT” on the back of the unit.
Installation
continued
3
Installation
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.
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
When connected to an acces­sory fuse, unit will self test the emergency weather alert automatically when ignition is turned on. Turns itself on & off.
4
In a negative grounded vehicle, connect the
red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory 12 volt fuse.
5
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.
4
6
Plug power cable into back of unit marked
“Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.
7
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.
Installation
8
Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to
receptacle on front of unit and install unit in bracket securely.
Note
If microphone is not connected, audio will not be heard at speaker.
5
Antennas
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, 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 773­889-3087 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. For models with Weather Feature (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.
1
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.
6
Ignition Noise Interference
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 LX LE 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.
7
Operation
Turning On
Turning On
Make sure the power cord, antenna and micro­phone are connected to their proper connectors before starting.
1
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to
turn unit on and adjust to a normal listening level.
CH 9/
SCAN
CB/ WX/
PA
T BACK
19
DIM
ESC
SWR
CAL
MEM SCAN
H
MEM WX !
E
N
T
E
R
F GAIN DELTA TUNE
2
Press the CB/PA/WX button to change modes.
8
Operation
A
Setting Channel Selector
NB/ANL
NB/ANL
SWR
ANL
S/RF
S/RF
RF
SWR
CAL
SWR/CAL
OFF MIN
3
Select one of forty channels and adjust
SIG
VOL SQ DYNAMIKE RF G
volume. The selected channel (1 through
40) will be indicated by the readout directly above the channel selector knob
3
2
1.5
1
CAL
TX RX
5
3
7
9
+30dB
S
H
U
P
E
N
U
T
N
E
M
E
R
MEM WX !
MIN
Setting Channel Selector
Note
Press CB/WX/PA to select CB, weather channels or PA (public address) modes.
9
Operation
NB/ANL
M
M
Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)
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
SWR
S/RF
SWR/CAL
OFF MIN
1
Select channel 20.
RF
3
1
SIG
VOL SQ DYNAMIKE
CAL
RX
5
7
9
+30dB
S
U
P
U
N
E
M
ME
H
E
N
T
E
R
2
Press SWR/CAL button to select CAL.
10
PUSH &
CH 9/
19
SCAN
HOLD
3
Push and hold mic button.
Operation
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).
N
T
E
R
4
While holding mic
F GAIN DELTA TUNE
MIN OFFMAX
button adjust the SWR CAL knob so
MEM SCAN
CB/ WX/
PA
T BACK
DIM
ESC
SWR
CAL
the meter swings to the CAL mark on the meter (located on the right).
continued
Note
The reading will be slightly higher on Channels 1 and 40 compared to Channel 20.
11
Operation
M
M
W
Calibrate for SWR continued
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.
To Receive
NB/ANL
S/RF
SWR/CAL
5
While still holding down the mic button, press
SWR
RF
SWR
SIG
VOL SQ DYNAMIKE
OFF MIN
3
2
1.5
1
CAL
RX
5
3
7
9
+30dB
S
H
U
P
E
N
U
T
N
E
M
E
R
and release the S/RF SWR CAL button to the SWR setting, to read the SWR reading.
6
Repeat the same steps two through five on
Channel 1 and 40. This will check SWR for all channels.
To Receive
NB/ANL
NB/ANL
ANL
S/RF
S/RF SWR
CAL
SWR/CAL
VOL SQ DYNAMIKE
SWR
RF
SIG
3
2
1.5
1
CAL
RX
5
3
7
9
+30dB
S
H
U
P
E
N
U
T
N
E
M
E
R
ME
MEM
OFF MIN
1
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise.
The RX icon will be displayed.
12
MIN
Operation
L
N
Selecting A Channel
RX
5
3
7
1
IG
MIN
9
+30dB
DYNAMIKE RF GAIN DE
S
H
U
P
U
N
E
M
MEM
E
N
T
E
R
MIN MAX
Unit should be in CB mode. Rotate channel
selector clockwide or counter-clockwise to
1
select desired channel.
S-Meter
Swings proportionately to strength of incoming signal when receiving.
3
2
1.5
SWR
S/RF
RF
3
1
SIG
OL SQ DYNAMIKE
CAL
RX
5
7
9
+30dB
S
H
U
P
E
U
N
E
M
Selecting A Channel
S-Meter
1
The S/RF-SWR-CAL switch must be in the S/RF
setting to read the meter.
13
PUSH & HOLD
Operation
To Transmit
Caution!
Be sure the antenna is properly connected to the radio before transmitting. Prolonged 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
1
Select desired channel.
Transmit
2
Push and hold mic button to transmit.
Transmitter is now activated. When transmit­ting, hold the microphone two inches from your mouth and speak in a clear, normal voice. Release to receive.
14
Operation
NB/ANL
M
Setting Dynamike®
This controls the microphone sensitivity (outgoing audio level).
3
2
RF
SWR
SIG
1.5
1
CAL
TX RX
5
3
7
9
+30dB
S
H
U
P
E
N
U
T
N
E
M
E
R
NB/ANL
ANL
S/RF
S/RF SWR
SWR/CAL
3
Initially, set fully clockwise so that maximum
CAL
VOL SQ DYNAMIKE
OFF MIN
voice volume is available. Dynamike may have to be reduced in some conditions.
Setting Dynamike
®
15
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