Cobra Electronics FRS220B Users manual

Th

2Way Radio

O pe rating Instru ctions for your

For te c h n i cal 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.

section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to [e-mail]

lass Mail to avoid loss in transit to: Cobra Factory Service,Cobra Electronics Corporation,6500

FRS 220

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Nothing comes close to a Co b ra ™

Our Thanks to You

A2

Antenna
Microphone/Speaker

Jack
On/Off Power Button
LCD Display Panel
Light/Max Range Button
Key Lock

Down/Up Volume
Control

Speaker
Microphone
Battery Compartment
Charge Pads
Talk Button
Call Button
Channel Button
Mode Button

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1 3

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra FRS 220
2-way Radio. Properly used,this Cobra product
will give you many years of reliable service.

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Customer Support

Should you encounter any problems with the

Cobra Customer Service

Live operators are available
M-F 8:00 am - 8:00 pm CST
at: 773.889.3087

product or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner’s manual. If,after

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referring to the manual,you still need help,
call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
rules.Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful

interference,and

(2) this device must accept any interference

received,including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

Automated Technical
Assistance available 24
hours a day,seven days a
week.E-mail questions to:
p rod u ct i n fo @ co b ra e l e c. co m

Co b ra on the Wo rld Wi d e
We b : Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ) can be
found on-line at:
www.cobraelectronics.com

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A3

How to Use Your Cobra

M i c ro Ta l k 2 - Way Radio

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..........................................................5

Auto Battery Save.....................................................6

Calling Another Party.............................................7

Talking To Another Party.......................................8

Roger Beep Confirmation Tone...........................9

Listening For Another Party.................................9

Lock Function............................................................10

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

Making Life Easier And Safer...............................12

Holster/Belt Clip/Desk Stand...............................13

External Microphone/Speaker Jack...................14

Caring for Your microTALK......................................15

microTALK Specifications........................................16

Limited Two Year Warranty.....................................18

Optional Accessories.................................................19

Order Form.....................................................................20

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

Features of This Product

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

• 14 channels

• SuperFlex™ antenna

• Holster belt clip

• Roger beep confirmation
tone

• Backlit LCD

• Speaker/Microphone
jacks

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Operation

Operation

Battery
Installation

Note

Batteries not included with
microTALK 2-way radio.

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.

Note

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

Install Batteries

1 2

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.

Turning On Your microTALK

Push and hold the POWER button for

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2 seconds.An audible “tone”will indicate the
unit is on,and display will illuminate for 10
seconds.

Illuminating the Display

1

Push and release LIGHT/MAX RANGE
button to illuminate display for ten seconds.

Turning
On Your
microTALK

Note

Whenever the unit is on
you can receive
communications.

Illuminating
the Display

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3

Operation

Operation

Auto Squelch

Maximum
Range
Extender

Note

To learn more about the
range of your microTALK,
see page 10.

Range is dependent on
battery condition and
geographic territory.

Auto Monitor

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 (Maximum Range Extender).

1

Push and hold LIGHT/MAX RANGE
button to allow all signals to enter.

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.

Select Main Channel (1-14)

1

Turn on the microTALK 2-Way Radio.

2

Select any of the 14 channels by moving the
channel button up or down.

Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38)

1

Press the mode butto n .After a short delay,s m a l l
n u m bers will flash next to the channel display
LCD indicating the subc h a n n e l .

2

Select subchannel number by moving the
channel button up or down.

3

When the desired code is displayed push the
mode button and release.An audible tone will
confirm your selection.

Select Main
Channel

Note

Units must be on same
channel and subchannel to
communicate.

Note

Channels 8-12 generally are
less used and give better
results for communications
in most areas.

Note

Push and hold the channel
button for fast channel
advance.

Select CTCSS
Subchannel

Note

Selecting a CTCSS
subchannel will allow you
to only hear conversations
on that selection.For
example,you may be with
a group of friends.If all of
you select channel 7 and
subchannel 1,you will hear
your friends but will not
hear anybody else on
channel 7,subchannels 2
through 38.

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Operation

Operation

B a t t e ry Low

No te

When batte ry ca p a c i ty is at
the 1/4 level it is
re commended that yo u
re p l a ce alkaline batte ries or
re c h a rge your NiMH (Nicke l
Metal Hyd ride) batte ry pack.

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

No te

NiMH re c h a rgeable batte ry
pack (Item #FA-BP) and
d e s k top charger (Item #FA­CR) are not included with this
u n i t.See Ac ce s s o ries Se ct i o n
on page 19.

Auto Battery
S a v e

No te

The Au to Ba t te ry Save Ci rc u i t
d oes not affe ct the unit’s
a b i l i ty to re ce i ve inco m i n g
t ra n s m i s s i o n s.

Battery Low

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

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

Auto Battery Save

Your FRS 220 has a unique circuit designed to
extend battery life. If there are no transmissions or
receptions within 10 seconds,the unit will
automatically switch to battery save mode and

will be shown in the display.

Calling Another Party

To alert another party that you wish to
communicate:

1

Turn onyour microTALK 2-way radio. An audi­ble “tone”will indicate the unit is on.

2

Selecta channel
by p u s h i n g t h e
CHANNEL butto n
up or down.

Calling
Another
Party

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Operation

Operation

No te

Your incoming “Ca l l ”s i g n a l
l evel is dependent on yo u r
unit volume setting.

Talking To
Another Party

Note

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

3

Push and release CALL button.The unit you
are calling will hear a two second ringing tone.

Talking To Another Party

1

Push and hold

TALK button.

3

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

2

The TX indicator will
be displayed.

4

Release TALK
button and listen
for response.

Roger Beep Confirmation Tone

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.

Listening For Another Party

When finished talking:

1

Release TALK button to receive incoming
transmissions.

Your microTALK is always in listening mode
when the TALK button is not pressed.

2

Adjust volume by pushing
DOWN/UP buttons.

Roger Beep
Confirmation
Tone

Listening For
Another Party

Note

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

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Operation

Operation

Lock Function

Note

Call button,Range
Extender button and Talk
button do not lock and are
fully operational while the
unit is locked.

The unit cannot lock while
in function mode.

Lock Function

The purpose of the LOCK function is to lock most

buttons to avoid accidental operation.

To engage the LOCK function:

1

Push and hold Lock button until
flashes.Channel up/down,Mode and Power
buttons are now locked.

2

To“unlock”push and hold Lock button
until disappears.

microTALK Range

Your micro TALK Radio has a range of up to 2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.

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.

microTALK
Range

Note

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

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Making Life Easier and Safer

Making Life Easier and Safer

microTALK
2-Way Radio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer

microTALK 2-Way Radio Can Make Life
Easier and Safer

As you be come familiar with your micro TALK Ra d i o

you will find many of your own uses for the unit.
Some suggestions include:

1. Talking with fellow
hikers.

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

5. Checking on travel­ing companions in
another car.

Holster/Belt Clip/Desk Stand

Your micro TALK Radio comes with a custom
molded plastic holste r.Its unique dual-funct i o n
design enables it to act as a handy desktop sto ra g e
u n i t,as well as easily attaching to your belt for
maximum co nve n i e n ce and po rt a b i l i ty.

6. Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.

Holster­Belt Clip and
Desk Stand

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

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4. Talking to a
neighbor or a
friend.

1.Desk Stand 2.Belt Clip

E x t e rnal Microphone/
Speaker Jack

External
Microphone/
Speaker Jack

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:

1

Open Spkr/Mic tab on top of unit.

Caring for Your microTAL Radio

Caring for Your microTALK Radio

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

Here are some suggestions:

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

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.

2

Insert plug into the Mic/Spkr jack.

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3. Never place the

unit in water or in
a moist place.

4. Avoid exposure
to extreme
temperatures.

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microTALK Specifications

microTALK Specifications

Frequency
Ranges

I.GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT

Channel Channel

FRS Frequency FRS Frequency

Channel in MHz Channel in MHz

1 462.5625 8 467.5625
2 462.5875 9 467.5875
3 462.6125 10 467.6125
4 462.6375 11 467.6375
5 462.6625 12 467.6625
6 462.6875 13 467.6875
7 462.7125 14 467.7125

B.SUBCHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS

CTCSS CTCSS

Channel Frequency Channel Frequency

01 67.0 Hz 21 136.5 Hz
02 71.9 Hz 22 141.3 Hz
03 74.4 Hz 23 146.2 Hz
04 77.0 Hz 24 151.4 Hz
05 79.7 Hz 25 156.7 Hz
06 82.5 Hz 26 162.2 Hz
07 85.4 Hz 27 167.9 Hz
08 88.5 Hz 28 173.8 Hz
09 91.5 Hz 29 179.9 Hz
10 94.8 Hz 30 186.2 Hz
11 97.4 Hz 31 192.8 Hz
12 100.0 Hz 32 203.5 Hz
13 103.5 Hz 33 210.7 Hz
14 107.2 Hz 34 218.1 Hz
15 110.9 Hz 35 225.7 Hz
16 114.8 Hz 36 233.6 Hz
17 118.8 Hz 37 241.8 Hz
18 123.0 Hz 38 250.3 Hz
19 127.3 Hz
20 131.8 Hz

C.RECEIVER

1. SENSITIVITY
FOR 12dB SINAD dBm -119
FOR CALL SIGNAL DETECTION dBm -121

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

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

4. SQUELCH
a) SENSITIVITY dBm -121
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

1. EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER mW 500

2. CARRIER FREQ.STABILITY Hz +/-500

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) TX OFF mS 5

E.POWER SUPPLY

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

2. BATTERY V 4.2-6.0

UNIT NOMINAL

UNIT NOMINAL

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Limited Two Year Warranty

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

Cobra Electronics
Corporation

6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago,Illinois 60707

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 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.

Optional Accessories

Vox/Headset Mic

VOX (Voice Operated
Transmitter) headset and

Replacement Holster

FA-HR1 $4.95

Lapel Speaker/Microphone

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

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.

Order over the Web

www.cobraelectronics.com

microphone allows
hands-free operation.
MA-VOX $49.95

NiMH Rechargeable Battery
Pack

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

Ear Bud Mic with PTT

Co m p a ct earbud and micro­phone with Pu s h - to - Talk switc h .
M A-EBM $29.95

2 Port Desktop Charger

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

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Accessory Order Form

Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount

M A - E B M Ear Bud Mic with PTT $ 2 9 . 9 5
M A - VOX Vox Headset Mi c $ 4 9 . 9 5
MA-SM Lapel Speaker/ Microphone $24.95
FA - H R 1 Replacement Holster $ 4 . 9 5
FA - C R Ch a rg e r $ 1 9 . 9 5

Shipping & Handling

Amount Shipping/
of Order Handling

$25.00 and under $4.75
$25.01 - $40.00 $6.95
$40.01 - $80.00 $9.25
$80.01 - $120.00 $10.25
$120.01 - $160.00 $11.75
$160.01 and up $14.50

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

FA - B P Bat te ry $ 2 9 . 9 5

Prices subject to change without notice.

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%

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.

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

Subtotal
(Tax if applicable)
Shipping/handling

Total

Ma ke check or money order (no stamps)
payable to:
Cobra Electronics
Attn:Accessories Dept.
6500 West Co rtland St.Ch i ca g o,IL 60707

Allow 7 to 10 days for delivery.Offer valid in Continental U.S.only.

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