21-158 8.fm Page 1 Thursday, Au gust 5, 1999 10:05 AM
Portable Emergency CB Radio
Cat. No. 21-1588
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-401
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FEATURES
Your RadioShack TRC-401 Emergency CB Radio is a 40-channel citizen’s band radio that is specially
designed for emergency situations. It
contains a CB, an antenna, and a
power cord — all in a handy, impactresistant carrying case that lets you
store all of the equipment safely out
of the way and easily move it from
one vehicle to another.
Its features include:
Automatic Emer
Selection
— immediately switches
ency Channel 9
to Channel 9 (the universal emergency channel) each time the CB is
turned on.
Important:
REACT is a nationwide
24-hour network that monitors Channel 9. Switch to Channel 9 in an
emergency, and report the problem.
REACT might not be available in al l
(
areas.)
Channel 19 Switch
— immed iately
switches the CB to Channel 19, used
by most travelers.
PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Frequenc
nthesizer
— provides re-
liable and exact tuning.
Auto Squelch
— eliminates the
need to set the squelch level.
Di
ital Channel-Number Displa
— makes it easy to see which channel is selected.
Built-In Ceramic Filters
— provide
superior selectivity and prevent adjacent-channel interference.
Built-In Modulation Control
— prevents the transmitter signal from
over-modulating and distorting.
Built-In Automatic Noise Limiter
— reduces noise caused by
(ANL)
nearby electrical equipment, such as
motors or automotive ignition systems.
Impact -Resista nt Stor a
e Case
—
stores everything you need to power
the CB from your vehicle.
: The TRC-401 comes with a
Note
telescoping antenna on a magnetmount base that you can attach directly to the CB for use when your vehicle is not moving. If you plan to use
the CB when your veh icle is movin g,
we recommend that you purchase a
standard mount antenna.
We recommend you record the TRC401’s serial num ber here. The n umber is on the CB’s back panel.
Serial Number:_________________
©
1997, 1998 Tandy Corporation.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
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FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not require you
to have a license to operate this CB.
However, the FCC does require you
to read and know Part 95 of
Rules
. These rules apply to the operation of a Class D CB. We have provided a copy of these regulations
with your CB.
Warning
make any internal adjustments. Internal adjustments can be made only by
authorized service personnel.
Internal adjustments and/or modifications can lead to illegal operation
as defined b y Part 95 of
Such illegal operation can lead to
very serious consequences.
To be safe and sure:
: Do not open your CB to
FCC Rules
FCC
Your CB might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating
properly. To determine if your CB is
causing the interference, turn off
your CB. If the interference goes
away, your CB is causing it. Try to
eliminate the interference by:
• Moving your CB away from the
receiver
• Contacting your local RadioShack store for help
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop
using your CB.
.
• Never open your CB’s case.
• Never modify your CB.
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CONTENTS
Preparation ...... ....... ............................. ..................... ..................... ................. 5
Attaching the Antenna ............................................................................... 5
Connecting Power ..................................................................................... 6
Operation ..................... ..................... ...................... ............................ ............ 7
CB Operation Tips .......................................................................................... 8
CB Courtesy ...... ...................... ..................... ............................ ................. 8
Maximum Range ....................................................................................... 8
Using Common 10-Codes ......................................................................... 9
Common Uses for a CB Radio ................................................................ 10
Business Uses .................................................................................. 10
Personal Uses ................................................................................... 10
Troubleshootin
Reducing Noise ......................... ....... .. .......... ....... ....... .. .......... ....... .. ........ 12
Care and Maintenance ................................................................................. 13
Replacing the Power Cord’s Fuse ........................................................... 14
Specifications ............................................................................................... 15
........................................... ..................... ...................... ...... 11
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PREPARATION
ATTACHING THE
ANTENNA
The supplied magnet-mount antenna
is designed for use only in eme rg ency or low speed, short-driving situations. If you want to use the CB while
driving your vehicle at highway
speeds, on long-distance trips, or
during periods of high, gusty winds or
heavy turbulence, you need an optional standard-mount antenna
(available at your local RadioShack
store). If you use a standard-mount
antenna, you also need a plug adapter (Cat. No. 278-208) to connect the
standard antenna’s PL-259 plug to
ANT
on your CB.
Follow these steps to mount the supplied antenna.
1. Hold the antenna in an upright
position and extend the antenna.
tallic backing on the bottom of
the magnetic base.)
Notes:
• The base should have full surface contact with steel for the
best possible range.
• To reduce wind force, place
the base toward the back window.
3. Plug the magnetic base’s wire
into the CB’s
ANT
jack.
Fully extend the antenna
Note:
for maximum range.
2. While your vehicle is stopped,
place the base as near as possible to the center of your vehicle’s highest flat surface with
pointing toward the front of your
vehicle. (Do not remove the me-
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To remove the antenna from your vehicle, grasp the base and then firmly
“peel” it up and off the vehicle’s surface.
Caution: Never slide the antenna’s
magnetic base across your vehicl e’s
painted surface. Dust and dirt particles might scratch your v ehicle’s finish.
CONNECTING POWER
Follow these steps to power the CB
from your vehicle’s battery.
1. Plug the barre l plug of the supplied power cord into
the bottom of the CB.
DC 12V
on
Notes:
• If the CB does not o perat e properly , check that the lighter socket
is clean and free of ashes or
other debris.
• If the CB still does not work,
check the fuse in the power cord
(see “Replacing the Power
Cord’s Fuse” on Page 14).
2. Ensure the cigarette-lighter plug
cap is tightly screwed onto the
plug and insert the plug into the
cigarette-lighter socket.
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OPERATION
Before you start using your CB, we
recommend you read “CB Operation
Tips” on Page 8 which contains information that will help you use your CB
effectively and courteously.
Before you operate the CB, be
Note:
sure it is connected to power and an
antenna.
1. Turn
VOLUME
clockwise until it
clicks to turn on the CB. The CB
automatically tunes to Channel
9, the emergency channel.
2. Select another channel, if desired.
• To immediately select Chan-
19
nel 19, press
. Channel 19
is another channel used for
emergencies a nd traveler assistance.
• To select any other channel,
repeatedly press (or hold
down)
CHANNEL
or .
3. To transmit, hold the CB 2–3
inches from your mouth, hold
PUSH TO T ALK
down
directly into
, and speak
MIC
(the built-in
microphone). The TX (transmit)
indicator lights.
In an emergency, broadcast
your “CLIP”:
all sign — identify yourself
C
ocation — be exact
L
njuries — number of injured,
I
type of injuries, and so on
roblem — give complete de-
P
tails. Give information calmly,
clearly, and in as few words as
possible
For example, “This is John
Smith at Highway 80 and Alemeda Street. There is a two-car
accident here with three injured
adults needing emergency care.
Please send an ambulance.”
4. When you fini sh tran smitting, re-
PUSH TO TALK
lease
. You now
hear other transmissions on that
channel (such as the response
to your c all). Adjust
VOLUME
to
the desired listening level.
Note:
VOLUME
only affects what
you hear. It has no effect on
transmissions.
5. To turn off the CB, turn
VOLUME
counterclockwise until it clicks.
The display shows the channel
number.
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CB OPERATION TIPS
Like most activities, CB radio use has
its customs and courtesies. Although
this CB radio is designed for em ergency use, it does work on all 40 CB
channels and can be u sed for more
than just emergencies. The following
tips will help you get the most benefit
and satisfaction from your CB.
CB 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 a nd wait se veral
minutes before trying again.
• Do not hold down
TALK
when you are not ta lking.
(This is called
• Assist callers with directions,
road conditions, and any other
reasonable requests.
dead keying
PUSH TO
.)
MAXIMUM RANGE
The maximum range and quality of
CB transmissions vary depending on
these conditions:
• The type and quality of antenna
used
• The height of the antenna’s
mounting location — the higher
the antenna, the better the signal’s range
• The surrounding terrain —
mountains and tall buildings limit
the range
• Weather conditions
• The number of nearby CBs operating on the same channel
• Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) between the antenna and the CB
You can check the SWR between the CB and a mobile antenna using an SWR meter (Cat.
No. 21-523). Follow the instructions supplied with the SWR
meter and the mobile antenna to
change the SWR, if necessary.
Note:
SWR of the supplied antenna.
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You cannot adjust the
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USING COMMON 10CODES
Citizen’s band operators have largely
adopted the 10-codes for standard
questions and answers. Their use
permits faster communication and
helps prevent misunderstanding in
noisy areas.
This table lists the codes adopted by
the Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO).
Code Meaning
10-1 Cannot understand your
message.
10-2 Your s ignal is good.
10-3 Stop transmitting.
10-4 Message received and
understood.
10-5 Relay information to
_________.
10-6 I am busy.
10-7 Out of service.
10-8 In service.
10-9 Repeat last message.
10-10 Negative (No).
10-11 __________ in service.
10-12 Stand by.
Code Meaning
10-13 Report ___________
conditions.
10-14 Information.
10-15 Message delivered.
10-16 Reply to message.
10-17 En route.
10-18 Urgent.
10-19 Contact __________.
10-20 My location is _______.
10-21 Call ____ by telephone.
10-22 Cancel last message.
10-23 Arrived at the scene.
10-24 Assignment complete.
10-26 Estimated time of arrival
is ____.
10-3 0 Use c aution.
10-31 Pick up.
10-33 Emergency traffic. Clear
the channel.
10-34 The time is _____.
Note
: Although this table lists the 10codes’ meanings in the form of a
statement, they can also be phrased
as questions (10-6: Are you busy?,
10-20: What is your location?).
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COMMON USES FOR A
CB RADIO
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 ac tivities
of different work crews.
• For security officers, a CB is
more than a convenience — it is
a must for both safety and efficiency.
Personal Uses
• 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 t raffic or
that yo u will stop by the s t o re on
the way home.
• If you are a two-car (or more)
family, CBs are great for communi cating with f amily me mbe rs
while the y ar e 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 h ighway? What a
relief it is to be able to radio 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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TROUBLESHOOTING
With proper care and handling, your CB should give you years of trouble-free service. However, if your CB is not working properly, follow these suggestions to see
if you can eliminate the problem. If you still have a problem, take the CB to your
local RadioShack store for assistance.
Problem Su
Not transmitting well. Fully press
Secure the antenna connection.
Fully extend the antenna.
Not receiving well. Secure the antenna connection.
Fully extend the antenna.
Distorted or unclear sound. This may be caused by SSB (single side
band) transmissions on your channel. Try
another channel. (Common SSB channels
are Channels 16 and 36–40.)
CB does not operate at all. Turn
Check the power connection.
Replace the blown fuse in the power cord.
See “Replacing the Power Cord’s Fuse” on
Page 14.
PUSH TO T ALK
VOLUME
clockwise to turn on the CB.
estion
.
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REDUCING NOISE
Because your CB is exceptionally
quiet, any noise you hear is probably
from an external source in your vehicle —
spark plugs, and so forth.
You can determine the sourc e of th e
noise by turning off the engine an d
operating the CB with the ignition set
to ACC. If most or all of the noise
goes away, the problem is in your vehicle’s ignition or electrical system.
Here are a few hints to help you reduce or eliminate such noise:
the ignition, another radio,
• Do not route the power cord next
to the antenna wire.
• Be sure the antenna’s magnetic
base is securely attached to a
metallic surface. If you use an
antenna other than the magnetmount type, be sure that the vehicle battery’s ground connection is secure.
• If problems persist, check your
alternator/generator and regulator gauges. Noise from these
sources can be reduced or eliminated using bypass capacitors
at the various voltage points.
Note:
Your local RadioShack store
has a wide selection of noisesuppression equipment.
• Try replacing old ignition wires
with new, high-voltage, noisesuppression ignition wires.
• Install noise suppressors on
your spark plugs or inst all spark
plugs that have built-in suppressors.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your TRC-401 Emergency CB Radio is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your TRC-401 so
you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the TRC-401 dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might c ontain minerals that can corrode the electronic c ircuits.
Handle the TRC-401 gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage
circuit boards and cases and can cause the TRC-401 to work improperly.
Keep the TRC-401 away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts.
Wipe the TRC-401 with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong
detergents to clean the TRC-401.
Modifying or tampering with the TRC-401’s internal components can cause a
malfunction and might invalidate your TRC-401’s warranty and void your FCC
authorization to operate it. If your TRC-401 is not performing as it should, take it
to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
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REPLACING THE
POWER CORD’S FUSE
The power cord’s 2-amp fuse helps
protect your CB from power surges
and short circuits. If the fuse is blown,
replace it with a 2-amp, 250-volt,
fast-acting fuse (Cat. No. 270-1052).
Follow these steps to replace the
fuse.
1. Unplug the power cord from the
vehicle’s cigarette lighter and
the CB.
2. To open the cigarette-lighter
plug and remove the fuse, turn
the cap counterclockwise and
remove it. (Take care not to lose
the tip.)
3. If the fuse is blown, replace it.
Caution:
the fuse only with another fuse
of the same type and rating.
4. To close the cigarette-lighter
plug, replace the ca p and turn it
clockwise.
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Make sure you replace
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SPECIFICATIONS
Receiver
Frequency Coverage .............................. 26.965–27.405 MHz (all 40 channels)
Sensitivity (Maximum) ................................................ 0.5 µV for 10 dB (S+N)/N
Adjacent Channel Rejection (EIA-204)....................................................... 45 dB
Squelch Sensitivity ............................................................................. 0.25–1 µV
Audio Output ............................................................. 400 Milliwatts (10% THD)
Current Drain .................................................................................. 130–600 mA
Minimum Volume Audio Ou tput . . .. .. ... .. .. . .. .. ............ .... . .. .. . .. .... . .. .. ... 10 Milliwatts
Frequency Response (–6 dB) ....................................................... 450–2500 Hz
Cross Modulation ...................................................................................... 50 dB
Transmitter
Frequency Coverage .............................. 26.965–27.405 MHz (all 40 channels)
Power Input (at 12 V DC) ....................................................................... 5 Watts
Power Output (at 12 V DC) ................................................................. 2.5 Watts
Spurious Emission ...................................................................... 60 dB or Better
Type of Modulation ......................................................................................... A3
Modulation Capacity .............................................................................. 80–90%
Frequency To lerance .............................................................................. 0.002%
Antenna Impedance ............................................................................ 50 Ohms
Antenna Length ............................................................... 34.6 Inches (880 mm)
Current Drain ................................................................................ 450–1200 mA
General
Weight ...................................................................................................... 9.9 oz
(280 g)
1
Dimensions (HWD) ........................................................... 7 ¥ 2
/2 ¥ 17/16 Inches
(178 ¥ 64 ¥ 36 mm)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject
to change and improvement without notice.
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Limited Ninety-Day Warranty
This product is warrant ed by RadioShac k against manufacturing defects in materia l and workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) day s from the date of purc hase from Rad ioShack comp anyowned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRE SS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LI MITED WARRANTIES
CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL H AVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE
OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING , BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how lon
cidental or consequential dama
In the event of a product defect durin
sales receipt as proof of pur cha se date to any RadioS hack s tore. Radi oSha ck wil l, at its option, unless otherwise provided by l aw: (a) c or rect the defe ct by prod uct repair wi thout char
labor; (b) replace the produc t with one of the same or similar desi
price. All replaced parts and pr oducts, and pro ducts on which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or rec onditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repa ired or replaced parts and produ cts are warranted for the remainder of the
ori
inal warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the
expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) dama
accident, misuse, impr oper or abnormal usa
maintenance, al teration, li
other than those provi ded by a RadioShack Autho rized Service Facility; ( c) consumables such as
fuses or batteries; (d) cos meti c dama
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty
state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102
ives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
es, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
the warran ty perio d, take the produ ct and the Rad ioShack
e or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
htning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repair s
e; (e) transportatio n, shippi ng or insurance costs; or ( f) costs
We Service What We Sell
an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-
e for parts and
n; or (c) refund the p urchase
e, failure to follow instruct ions, improper instal lation or
3/97
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corpor ation
Fort Worth, Texa s 76102
811080920B
4A8 Printed in Hong Kong
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