Radio Shack TRC-446 User Manual

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Cat. No. 21-1574

OWNER’S MANUAL

Please read before using this equipment.

TRC-446

Deluxe 4 Watt 40-Channel

Mobile CB Radio

with Weather Alert and ACE

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FEATURES

Your RadioShack TRC-446 Deluxe 40Channel Mobile CB Radio w ith Weather Alert is a high perfo rmance C B that also lets you tune to local and national weather service broadc asts. This CB is perfect for recreational, business, or emergency use. Y ou c an ca ll o ther peo ple who have CBs at home, in their vehicles, or at camp sites. You can also connect optional equ ipment to your CB, such as an external speaker which creates a PA system; or a DC power supply and base station an tenna to use it as a base station in your home.

Your CB has these features:

ACE (Audio Clarity Enhancer)

— suppresses noise levels while leaving the signal intact during reception. During transmitting, it enhan ces the signal , pro viding you with a si gnificant reduc tion in reception and transmission noise.

NOAA 7-Channel WX Band Receiver

— lets you tune to seven national weather service frequen cies which provide local weather conditions and forecasts.

WX/Alert Indicator

— shows the CB is ready to receive and indicates the reception of a weather alert

Built-In SWR Meter

— helps you tune your antenna system to optimize your CB's performance.

RF Gain Control

— lets you adjust reception to match the strength of the received signal.

Convenient On-Microphone Channel Up/Down Controls —

let you quickly

scan the band for communications.

CH-9/NOR/CH-19 Switch

— lets you quickly tune to e mergency Channel 9 or Channel 19 without using th e rotary tuning control.

Screw-On Microphone Connector

—

ensures rugged operation and long life.

PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Frequency Synthesizer

— uses a precise frequency reference crystal to provide reliable and exact tuning.

Two Ceramic Filters

— provide superior channel sel ectivity and prevent adjacent-channel interference.

Specialized Squelch Circuit

— compensates for fading signals and eliminates signal chopping during reception.

Last-Channel Memory

— tunes to the last selected channel each time you turn on the radio.

Lighted SWR/RF/Signal Meter

— displays the signal stre ngth and the standing wave ratio (SWR).

Digital Channel Display

— makes the

selected channel easy to see.

1999 Tandy Corporation.

RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

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Noise Blanking

occasionally gener ated by nearby electrical motors or automotive i gnition systems.

CB/WX/PA Switch

select among normal CB operation, weather mode, or public address mode.

RX/TX Indicator

CB is transmitting or receiving.

S/RF/SWR/CAL Switch

quickly change the display of the RF/ Signal Meter to s how radio input/output signal strength, the stand ing wave ratio of the antenna, or SWR calibration data.

Universal Mounting Bracket

you mount your CB s ecurely in you r vehicle.

Note:

To use this CB, you n eed a mobile or base station antenna (not supplied). Your local Radio Shack store has a wide variety of antenna s. For mo re information, see “Installing an Antenna” on Page 7.

We recommend you record your CB's serial number here. The number is on the CB's back panel.

Serial Number__________________

— reduces the noise

— lets you quickly

— shows whether the

— lets you

— lets

FCC INFORMATION

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not requi re yo u to h av e a license to operate this CB. However, the FCC does require that you read and know Part 95 of apply to the operation of a Class D CB. We have provided a copy of these regulations with your CB.

Warning:

any internal adjustments. Any internal adjustments can be made only by an authorized service technician.

Unauthorized internal adjustments and/ or modifications can lead to illegal operation as defined by Part 95 of FCC Rules. Such illegal operation can lead to very serious con sequences. To be safe and sure:

• Never open your CB's case.

• Never modify your CB.

Your CB might cause TV or radio interference even when it is o perating properly. To determine whether your CB is causing the interference, turn off your CB. If the interference goe s away, your CB is causing it. Try to eliminate the interference by either moving your CB away from the receiver or contacting your local RadioShac k store for help. If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using your CB.

FCC Rules

Do not open your CB to make

. These rules

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CONTENTS

Installation ............................................................................................................... 5

Mounting the TRC-446 ....................................................................................... 5

Connecting the Microphone ................................................................................ 6

Installing an Antenna ................................... ...... ....... ...... .................................... 7

Selecting an Antenna ................................................................................... 7

Connecting an Antenna ............................................................................... 7

Using Vehicle Battery Power .............................................................................. 7

Using the CB as a Base Station ......................................................................... 8

Connecting Optional External Speakers ......................... ....... ...... ....... ...... ...... .... 8

External CB Speaker ................................................................................... 8

Public Address Speaker ............................................................................... 9

Adjusting the Standing Wave Ratio .................................................................... 9

Standing Wave Ratio Guidelines ...................................................................... 10

Standing Wave Ratio Performance ............................................................ 10

A Quick Look at the Controls ............................................................................... 11

Operation ............................................................................................................... 12

Changing Channels Using the Controls on the Microphone ............................. 13

Listening to Weather Broadcasts ...................................................................... 13

Weather Alert .................................................................................................... 14

Using the Public Address Function ................................................................... 14

CB Operation Tips ................................................................................................ 15

Business Uses .................................................................................................. 15

Personal Uses .................................................................................................. 15

CB Courtesy ...................... ...... ....... ...... .............................................. ...... ...... .. 15

Using Common 10-Codes .................................................................................... 16

Maximum Range .............................................................................................. 17

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 18

Care and Maintenance .......................................................................................... 19

Specifications ......................... .......................... .......................... ......................... .. 21

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INSTALLATION

W O D

N N

A H C

C H

-9 S

/R F

C B

-1

B C A

TRC

-44

X /R

X /A

E R

-9

MIC

S/RF

VOLU

CH-19

CAL

ACE

SQUELCH

OFF

SWR

TRC-446

CAL

OFF

TX/RX

RF GA

WX/ALERT

WEATHER

MOUNTING THE MICROPHONE HOLDER

Using a Philips screwdriver and the supplied screw and washers, attach the supplied micropho ne holder to the CB's left or right side, either horizontally or vertically (depending on how you plan to use it).

MOUNTING THE TRC-446

The most common mounting location for this CB is under a vehicle ’s dashboard. If you use the TRC-446 as a base station, you can place it on a desk, shelf, or table (See “Using the CB as a Base Station” on Page 8).

When mounting the CB in a vehicle, choose a location where:

• you can easily reach the CB

• wires and cables are routed away from the vehicle's pedals or other moving parts

• all wires and cables can reach their connection points

• the CB is not directly in front of heating vents

Cautions:

• If you use the TRC-446 in a vehicle, mount it securely to avoid damage to the CB or vehicle or injury to anyone in the vehicle during sudden starts or stops.

• Do not mount the CB where it could damage or interfere with the proper operation of any passive restraint safety device (an air bag or seat belt).

Follow these steps to mount the CB using the supplied hardware.

1. Select a location that provides secure mounting.

Caution:

Be careful not to dri ll into anything behind the mounting surface.

2. Using the slots in the mounting bracket as a template, mark the positions for the screw holes.

3. In each marked location, drill a hole slightly smaller than the supplied mounting screws.

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4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, attach the mounting bracket to the mounting surface with the supplied large mounting screw and star lock washers.

5. Attach the CB to the mounting bracket using the supplied rubber washers and mounting knobs.

CONNECTING THE MICROPHONE

1. Align the slot on the top of the microphone plug with the ridge

ANTENNA

inside the

MIC

jack, then fully inser t

the plug into the jack.

2. Secure the plug by turning the plug's locking nut clockwise.

3. Slide the microphone onto the microphone holder.

To disconnect the micr ophone, unsc rew the locking nut and gently pull out the microphone plug.

Caution:

Always grasp the connector body when you are disconnecting the microphone. Never pull on the microphone cable.

EXT SP

PA SP

POWER

+ 13.8V DC -

PA SP

EXT SP

POWER

13.8V DC

13.8 DC Power Supply

CAT NO.: 21-1574 TRC-446

CUSTOM MANUFACTURED IN THAILAND

A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION

FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102

0000001

SERIAL NO.:

FCC ID: AAO21-1574

FOR RADIOSHACK,

ANTENNA

Base Station Power Setup

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INSTALLING AN ANTENNA

Caution

CB, do not attempt to transmit without an antenna attached.

Selecting an Antenna

When you decide on an anten na and its location, consider these points:

Your local RadioS hack sto re sells a va riety of CB antennas fo r both mobile and base-station use. Choose the one that best meets your needs.

: To prevent damage to your

• The antenna should be positioned as high as possible.

• The antenna and the antenna c able should be routed as far as possible from any source of electrical noise such as ignition systems, electric gauges, and motors.

• Do not run the cable throu gh a vehicle's engine compartment or other areas that produce extreme heat.

USING VEHICLE BATTERY POWER

You can power this CB from your vehicle's battery or from standard AC power with an optional DC power su pply. For information on using AC po we r, see “Usin g the CB as a Base Station” on Page 8.

Follow these steps to power the CB from your vehicle's battery.

1. Plug the single-connecto r end of th e power cord into on the CB's back panel.

2. Connect the black wire to your vehicle’s negative (–) battery ter minal or to a metal part of the vehicle's frame that is not insula ted from the frame by a plastic part.

POWER 13.8V DC

Connecting an Antenna

Follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna you choose. Route the antenna cable to the CB, then thread the PL-259 antenna cable plug

ANTENNA

into

Cautions

• Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts that might damage it.

• Do not run the ca ble next to power cables or other CB antenna cables.

on the back of the CB.

3. Connect the red wire, with i ts in-line fuse, to a source of voltage that turns on and off with the ignition switch, such as a spare accessory terminal in your vehicle's fuse box. This assures you that power to the CB is turned off when you turn off the ignition.

4. Connect the orange wire, with its inline fuse, to a source of voltage that supplies constant positive (+) power (regardless of the ignition switches position) or directly to your vehicle's positive (+) battery terminal. This enables the radio to “remember” the last channel you tuned to when you turn the radio back on.

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USING THE CB AS A BASE STATION

Although this CB is desig ned for mobile use, you can also use it as a base station. For base-station installation, you need a regulated 12-volt DC powe r supply, such as Cat. No. 22-504 available at your local RadioShack store.

Caution:

plies plug into a standard AC outlet to produce DC power. Before connecting your CB to a 12-volt DC power suppl y, read and follow the in str uc ti ons i nc lud ed with the power supply.

You also need a base station antenna and coaxial anten na cable and conn ectors. Your local RadioShack store also carries a wide selection of suitable antennas, cables, and connectors.

Follow these steps to i ns tal l t he CB as a base station.

1. Mount the base station antenna as

2. Route the antenna cable to the CB,

Most 12-volt DC power sup-

described in its owner's manual.

Warning:

when you install or remove a base station CB antenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches the 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 do so yourself.

then connect the cable to

ANTENNA

Use extreme caution

on the back of the CB.

3. Plug the single connector end of th e power cord into on the CB's back panel.

4. Connect the black wire to the DC power supply's negative (–) terminal.

5. Connect the red wire and orange wires, with in-line fuses, to the DC power supply's positive (+) terminal.

Note:

Due to the lack of a constant 12VDC, as in an aut omotiv e inst allat ion, if you turn off the DC power s upply, the CB “remembers” the last channel you tuned for only a few minu tes. Whe n you turn on the CB and the DC power supply again, the radio automatically tunes to Channel 9.

POWER 13.8V DC

CONNECTING OPTIONAL EXTERNAL SPEAKERS

You can connect an extern al CB or PA speaker to your CB. The large r, ex ternal speaker provides greater clarity. A PA speaker lets you take advantage of the amplifier and mic to use the CB as a public-address system.

External CB Speaker

To connect an external CB speaker, use a speaker rated at 8 -ohms and capable of handling 3–10 watts of power (such as Cat. No. 21-549). Simply plug the speaker cable's

EXT SP. Connecting the external speak-

er automatically disconnects the internal speaker.

/8-inch plug into

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