21-167 8.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 12:45 PM
Cat. No. 21-1678
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-234
5-Watt, 40- Ch an ne l
CB Walkie-Talkie
with 10 Weath er Channels
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FEATURES
Your Radio Shack TRC-234 5-Watt 40-Channel CB
Walkie-Talkie is a high performance transceiver that
also lets you tune into local and national weather service broadcasts. This CB is perfect for recreational,
business, or emergency use. You can call other people who have CBs at home, in their vehicles, or at
camp sites. You can also connect optional equipment to your CB, such as ext ernal speakers, or a DC
power supply and base station antenna to set up a
base station in your home.
Your CB has the following f eatures:
10-Channel WX Band Receiver
— includes seven
national and three international weather frequencies.
You can hear local conditions and forecasts wherever you travel.
LCD Digital Display
— lets you see the channel
number you select, incoming and outgoing signal
strength, and the selected mode (such as Weather,
Emergency, etc.)
PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Frequency Synthesizer
— provides highly accurate and stable tuning.
Two Ceramic Filters
— provi de super ior select ivity
and freedom from adjacent channel interference.
Hysteresis Squelch Circuit
— compensates for
fading signals and eliminates signal chopping during
reception.
Automatic Noise Limiting (ANL) Circuit
— reduces noise caused by nearby elec tr ical equipment such
as motors or automotive ignition systems.
Emergency Channel 9 Switch
— lets you quickly
switch to Channel 9 so you can report or monitor
emergency situations.
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High/Low Power Button — lets you save power by
selecting a suitable transmitting power for long or
short distances.
For your records, we recommend you record your
CB’s serial number here. The number is located on
the CB’s back panel.
Serial Number _____________________
FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
does not requir e you to have a l ic ense to operate this
CB. However, you must know Part 95 of
It explains the proper operation of a Class D citizen’s
band transceiver . We enclosed a copy of Part 95 with
your CB.
Warning: Do not open the CB to make any internal
adjustments. A CB is set up to transmit a regulated
signal on an assigne d frequency. It is against the law
to alter or adjust the settings inside the unit to exceed
these limitat ions.
FCC Rules
.
Any adjustments to a CB must be made by a qualified technician using the proper test equipment.
To be safe and sure:
• Never open your CB’ s case.
• Never change or replace anything in your CB.
Your CB might cause TV or radio interference even
when it is operating properly. To determine whether
your CB is causing the interference, turn it off. If the
interference goes away, your CB is causing it. Try to
eliminate the interference by:
• Moving your CB away from the rece iver
• Contacting a radio/TV technician or your local
Radio Shack store for help
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using your CB.
This device complies with Part 95 of
eration is subject to the following two conditions:
FCC Rules
. Op-
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1. This device must not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Care and Maintenance ....................................... 25
Speci fi ca t io n s ........ ............................................. 26
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PREPARATION
CONNECTING POWER
You can power your transceiver from any of three
sources:
• Internal batteries (not supplied)
• Vehicle battery power (using an optional DC cig-
arette lighter power cord)
• Standard AC power (using an optional DC
power supply)
Note:
Connecting a DC power cord automatically
disconnects int ernal batteries.
Using Internal Batteries
You can power your transceiver with nine AA batteries. For the longest operation and best performance,
we recommend alkaline batteries (such as Cat. No.
23-552). Or, you can use rechargeable nickelcadmium batteries (Cat. No. 23-125).
Follow these steps to ins tal l or replace batteries.
1. If the transceiver is on, turn
terclo c kwise until it c licks to turn it off.
2. Remove the battery compartment cover by sliding it in the direction of the arrow.
illustra tion
3. Remove any old batteries from the compartment.
Cautions
• Always dispose of old batteries promptly and
:
properly.
VOLUME/OFF
coun-
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• Never leave dead, old, or weak nonrechargeable batteries in the transceiver.
They can leak chemicals an d corrode or damage electronic circuits.
• Do not expose batteries to extreme heat or
fire. They might explode and cause personal
injury or damage equipm ent.
4. Position the
NI/AL
switch to match the battery
type.
NI
•
: for rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries (see “Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries”).
AL
•
: for standard or alkal ine batteries.
illustration
5. Install nine fresh non-rechargeable batteries or
nine nickel-cadmium batteries as indicated by
the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside the
battery compartment.
and type. Never mix new and old batteries or
rechargeable and non-chargeable batteries in
the transcei ver.
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• If you do not plan to use batteries in the transceiver for a month or more, remove the batteries. This protects the transceiver from
possible battery leakage.
6. Replace the cover.
When
(battery low) appears on the display, re-
BATT
place or recharge the batteries.
Using Vehicle B attery Power
You can power your transceiver from your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket with an optional DC cigarette
lighter power cord (such as Cat. No. 270-1534).
Cautions:
• You must use a DC power cord that supplies 12
volts and delivers at least 2.5 amps. Its center tip
must be set to positive, and it must have a plug
that properly fits your transceiver’s
CHARGE
jack. The recommended power cord
meets these requirements. Using a power cord
that does not meet these specifications could
damage the transceiv er or the power cord.
• To protect your vehicle’s electrical system,
always plug the power cord into the transceiver
before you plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette
lighter socket. Always unplug the power cord
from the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket before
you unplug it from the transceiver.
DC13.8V
illustration
1. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into th e transceiver’s
DC13.8V CHARGE
jack.
2. Plug the other end of the cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket.
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Notes:
• If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium
batteries in the transceiver, connect the DC
power cord to the
be sure the
NI/AL
DC13.8V CHARGE
switch is set to NI. This pow-
jack and
ers the transceiver and recharges the batteries at the same time. See “Charging NickelCadmium Batteries.”
• If the transceiver does not operate when you
use the power cord, unplug the cord from the
cigarette lighter socket and clean the socket
to remove ashes and debris. If it still does not
operate properly, check the in-line fuse in the
power cord.
Using Standard AC Power
You can operate the transceiver from AC power using a 12-volt DC power supply (such as Cat. No. 22120, not supplied), a DC cigarette lighter power cord
(such as Cat. No. 270-1534, not suppli ed), and a cigarette lighter accessory outlet (such as Cat. No . 2701539, not supplied).
Cautions:
• You must use a DC power cord that supplies 12
volts and deli vers at l east 2.5 amps. Its cent er ti p
must be set to positive, and it must have a plug
that properly fits your transceiver’s
CHARGE
jack. The recommended power cord
DC13.8V
meets these requirements. Using a power cord
that does not meet these specifications could
damage the transceiver or the power cord.
• Be sure you connect the DC power cord to the
transceiver before you connect it to the power
supply. Then disco nnect the power cord from th e
power supply before you disconnect it from the
trans ce iver.
Note: Most 12-volt DC power supplies plug into a
standard AC outlet to produce DC power. Before
connecting your transceiver to a 12-volt DC power
supply, read and follow the instructions included with
the power supply.
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Follow these steps to power the transceiver from AC
power.
1. Using the double-sided foam tape supplied with
the cigarette lighter accessory outlet, mount the
accessory outlet to the DC power supply.
2. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into th e transceiver’s
Note:
DC13.8V CHARGE
jack.
If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in the transceiver, connect the
power cord to the
sure the
NI/AL
DC13.8V CHARGE
jack and be
switch is set to NI. This powers
the transceiver and recharges the batteries at
the same time. See “Charging Nickel-Cadmium
Batteries.”
3. Insert the cigarette lighter plug on the DC power
cord into the cigaret te lighter accessor y outlet.
4. Connect the DC power supply to a standard AC
outlet.
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CHARGING NICKEL-CADMIUM
BATTERIES
The transceiver has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel -cadmium bat teri es while t hey are in th e
transceiver. To charge the batteries, connect a DC
power cord to the transceiver’s
jack and be sure the
“Using Standard AC Power” or “Using Vehicle Battery Power”).
NI/AL
DC13.8V CHARGE
switch is set to NI (see
Warning:
ceive r ’ s
chargeable batteries (standard, extra-life, or alkaline)
and the
batteries become hot and can even expl ode if you try
to recharge them.
It takes about 16 to 18 hours to recharge batteries
that are fully discharged.
Nickel-cadmi um batteries com e fully dischar ged. The
first time you use nickel-cadmium batteries, charge
them about 18 hours to bring them to a full charge.
Notes:
• Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver
• To prevent permanent nickel-cadmium battery
• Do not overcharge batteries. Overcharging can
Do not connect a power cord to the trans-
DC13.8V CHARGE
NI/AL
switch is set to NI. Non-rechargeable
more power if you occasional ly let them full y discharge. To do this, simply use the transceiver
until it no longer transmits or receives.
power loss, do not charge the batteries at temperatures below 14°F (–10°C) or above 131°F
(55°C).
severely reduc e the battery’s usef ul life.
jack if you installed non-re-
Important:
useful life, it must be recycled or disposed of properly. Contact your local, county, or state hazardous
waste management authorities for information on recycling or disposal programs in your area. Some options that might be available are: municipal curb-side
collection, drop off boxes at retailers, recycling collection cent ers, and mail-back p rograms.
10
At the end of a rechargeable battery’s
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CONNECTING AN ANTENNA
Your transceiver comes with a flexible rubber antenna that is ideal for most applications. However, the
transceiver’s BNC antenna connector makes it easy
to connect other types of antennas. Your local Radio
Shack store sells a wide variety of antennas. Choose
the one that best meets your needs.
Follow these steps to connect the supplied ant enna.
illustration
1. Position the antenna’s BNC connector over the
antenna jack on the transceiver .
2. Slip the slot in the antenna connector over the
antenna jack’ s tab on top of the transceiver.
3. Press down and turn the antenna’s connector
clockwise until it locks into place.
To use a mobile or base-station antenna, attach an
appropriate connector adapter (such as Cat. No.
278-120, not supplied) to the end of the antenna’s
cable. Then insert it onto the transceiver’s antenna
connector.
Warning:
moving an outdoor antenna. If the antenna starts to
fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If
the antenna touches a power line, contact with the
antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and death! Call the power company to remove the antenna. Do not attempt to remove the
antenna yourself.
Use extreme caution when installing or re-
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USING AN EXTERNAL SPEAKER
In a noisy area, an externa l speaker (such as Cat. No.
21-549) positioned in the right place might provide
more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s
1
/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into the transceiver’s
jack. This di sconnects the internal speaker.
illustration
SPK
USING AN EXTERNAL SPEAKER/
MICROPHONE
You can use an external speaker/microphone (such
as Cat. No. 19-310). Plug the speaker/microphone’s
connector into the transceiver’s
illustration
12
MIC
and
SPK
jacks.
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USING THE WRIST STRAP
You can use the supplied wrist strap to keep the
transceiver accessible. Hook the strap’s connecting
ring to the tab, as shown. Then simply slip the strap
over your hand.
illustration
USING THE BELT CLIP
Use the supplied belt clip to make the transceiver
easier to take with you. Use the two supplied screws
to attach the belt clip to the transceiver. Sli de the belt
clip over your belt or waist band.
illustration
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OPERATION
Before you use your transceiver, you should know
how to use it effectively and courteously. “Operational Hints” contains information that will help you get
more enjoyment from your transceiver .
RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS
AND ADJUSTING SQUELCH
1. Turn
2. Rotate
3. Press
SQUELCH
on the power. A channel number appears on the
display.
CHANNEL s
nel.
fully counterclockw ise.
illustration
VOLUME
clockwise until it clicks to turn
illustration
or t to select the desired chan-
illustration
Note:
If you press
tuned to Channel 40, the channel selector
returns to Channel 1. If you press
when you are tuned to Channel 1, the channel
selector returns to Channel 40.
14
CHANNEL s
when you are
CHANNEL
t
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X
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4. Adjust
VOLUME
to a comfortable list ening level.
5. To cut out background noise between transmissions, wait until there is no signal on the channel, then slowly turn
SQUELCH
clockwise until
the background noise stops.
Note:
Do not turn
SQUELCH
too far clockwise
because you might cut out weak signals, too.
6. T o turn of f the transceiver , turn
VOLUME
counter-
clockwise unti l you hear it click.
TRANSMITTING
We recommend you try receiving transmissions before you try to transmit.
Follow these steps to transmit.
1. Press and hold the talk button. appears on
the display, and the signal meter on the display
shows the output level. Hold the transceiver
about 2-3 inches from your mouth and speak
slowly and clearly in a normal tone of voice.
illustration
T
2. When you finish transmitting, release the talk
button.
15
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W
W
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3. If you are transmitting to nearby units, press
H/L
to set the output power to low output power, if
necessary. appears on the display .
LO
illustration
If the other transceiver is farther away or the
receiving person complains of noise, press
again to set it to high output power. disap-
LO
H/L
pears from the dis play .
4. To turn off the transceiver, turn
VOLUME
counter-
clockwise unt il you hear it click.
TURNING ON/OFF THE LIGHT
LIGHT
Press
you do not turn the light off manually, the light automatically shuts off in 5 seconds.
to turn on and off the display’s light. If
16
illustration
Page 17
K
KEMG
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LOCKING THE FUNCTIONS
LOC
KEY LOCK
switch to lock the transceiver’s
LIGHT
) to pre-
KEY LOCK
Use the
functions (except the talk button and
vent accidental program changes. Press
so appears on the display.
illustration
To release the lock, press
KEY LOCK
again.
LOC
disappears from the display.
USING CHANNEL 9
For emergency call monitoring or transmitting on
Channel 9, just press
display.
CH-9
. 9 and appear on the
illustration
Important!
Channel 9 is reserved for motorist assistance and for reporting emergency information about
accidents, hazardous road conditions, and so on. Always give emergency messages priority on Channel
9.
To release the transceiver from Channel 9, press
9
again. The previously selec ted channel number a p-
CH-
pears on the display.
Note:
tons do not work when
KEY LOCK, WEATHER
The
CH-9
is pressed.
, and
CHANNEL
but-
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LISTENING TO THE WEATHER
BAND
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
has allocated 11 channels for use by the National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). NOAA broadcasts your local forecast and
regional weather information on one or more of these
channels in your area. We have preprogrammed
your CB with 10 of the U.S frequencies used by
NOAA. See “Channel Assignments.”
To select a weather broadcast, press
CHANNEL
press
quencies. appears on the display.
s
or t to choose between the 10 fre-
W
illustration
WEATHER
Press
again to return to normal CB opera-
tion.
Note:
WEATHER
The
is pressed.
H/L
and
CH-9
buttons do not work when
WEATHER
then
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OPERATIONAL HINTS
Like most activities, CB radio has its customs and
courtesies. The following tips will help you get the
most enjoyment from your transceiver.
COMMON USES FOR A CB
Business Uses
• Truck drivers and delivery personnel can learn
road and traffic conditions and get assistance in
locating destinations. A CB is also good company on those “long hauls.”
• On construction crews, a CB quickly pays for
itself when you are calling for additional materials or coordinating the activities of different work
crews.
• For security officers, a CB is more than a convenience — it is a must for both safety and efficiency.
Perso n al U ses
• Keep in touch with home while driving to work, to
the store, or to a social activity. Let your family
know you are tied up in traffic or that you will
stop by the store on the way home.
• If you ar e a two-car (or more) family, CBs are
great for communicating with family members
while they are in their cars.
• Contact friends or neighbors — find out “what’s
happening” or plan a get-together.
• Ever have car trouble or run out of gas on the
highway? What an assurance it is to be able to
call for assistance!
• Camping, fishing, and other sports are more fun
with a CB. Locate a buddy or find out “what’s
cooking” back at camp.
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TRANSMISSION COURTESY
• Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission
before you ask for a break.
• If you do not receive an answer to your call after
a second attempt, sign off and wait several minutes before trying again.
• Do not hold down the talk button when you are
not talking . (This is called dead keyi ng.)
• Assist callers with directions, information about
road conditions, and any other reasonable
requests.
MAXIMUM RANGE
The maximum range and quality of CB transceiver
transmissions vary depen ding on the following conditions:
• The type and quality of antenna used
• The height of the an tenna’s mounting location —
the higher the antenna, the better the signal’s
range
• The surrounding terrain — mountains and tall
buildings limit the range
• Weat her conditions
• The number of nearby CBs operating on the
same channel
Note:
Your transceiver’s transmission range is generally line-of-sight. To ensure maximum range, always keep fresh or fully-charged batteries in your
CB.
USING COMMON 10-CODES
Citizen’s band operators and CB users have largely
adopted the 10-codes fo r standard questi ons and answers. These codes permit faster communication
and better intelligibility in noisy areas.
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This table lists codes adopted by the Associated
Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO).
CodeMeaning
10-1Your signal is bad.
10-2Your signal is good.
10-3Stop transmitting.
10-4Message received and understood.
10-5Relay information to _____.
10-6I am busy or are you busy?
10-7Out of service.
10-8 In service.
10-9Repeat last message.
10-10Negative (NO).
10-11_____ in service.
10-12Stand by.
10-13Report road/weather conditions.
10-14Information.
10-15Message delivered.
10-16Reply to message.
10-17En route.
10-18Urgent.
10-19Contact _____.
10-20What is your location?
10-21Call _____ by telephone.
10-22Cancel last message.
10-23Arrived at the scene.
10-24Assignment complete.
10-25Meet _____.
10-26Estimated time of arrival is _____.
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CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS
Your transceiver receives and transmits on the 40
channels lis ted here.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Radio Shack TRC-234 5-Watt 40-Channel CB
Walkie-Talkie is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help
you care for your CB so you can enjoy i t for years.
• Keep the CB dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can contain minerals that can
corrode the elec tr onic circuits.
• Use and store the CB only in normal temperature environments. Temperature extremes can
shorten the life of electronic devices, damage
batteries , and di stort or melt plastic parts.
• Handle the CB gently and carefully. Dropping it
can damage circuit boards and cases and can
cause the CB to work improperly.
• Keep the CB away from dust and dirt, which can
cause premature wear of parts.
• Wipe the CB with a damp cloth occasionally to
keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to
clean the CB.
Modifying or tampering with the CB’ s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate
the CB’s warranty, and void your FCC authorization
to operate it. If your CB is not performing as it should,
take it t o your local Rad io Shack store for assistance.
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SPECIFICATIONS
RECEIVER
Frequency Coverage ............ 26.965 to 27.405 MHz
Sensitivity....................................... 0.5 mV for 10 dB
(S+N)/N Adjacent Chann el Rej ection ............. 60 dB
Squelch ...................... .......... .. Adjustable f rom 1 mV
HIGH ........................................................ 1.6 A
LOW . ...................... .. ... ...................... .. . 600 mA
Note:
The transceiver draws an additional 800
mA when charging nickel-cadmium batteries.
Dimensions (HWD) ........... 2
Weight ................................................. 11 oz (318 g)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary.
Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.
1
/8 ¥ 613/16 ¥ 13/4 Inches
(54 ¥ 172.5 ¥ 45 mm)
25
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NOTES
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27
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g y
g
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RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY
This product is warranted against defects for 90 days
from date of purchase from Radio Shack companyowned stores and authorized Radio Shack franchisees
and deal ers. Within thi s period, we will repair it withou t
charge for parts and labor. Simply
Shack sales slip
as proof of purchase date to any Radio
brin
our Radio
Shack store. Warranty does not cover transportation
costs. Nor does it cover a product subjected to misuse or
accide ntal damage.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK
MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION
TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. Some states do not
permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or exclusion(s) may not
apply to the purchaser.
This warranty gives you sp ecific legal rights and you may also
have other ri
hts which vary from state to state.
We Service What We Sell
9/94
A Division of Tandy Corporati on
RADIO SHACK
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
4A5Printed in Thailand
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