21-1588.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
Cat. No. 21-1588
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-401
Portable Emergency CB Radio
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Your CB might cause TV or radio in-
terference 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:
FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Com-
mission (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 FCC
Rules. These rules apply to the oper-
ation of a Class D CB. We have pro-
vided a copy of these regulations
with your CB.
• Moving your CB away from the
receiver
• Contacting your local Ra-
dioShack store for help
Warning: Do not open your CB to
make any internal adjustments. Inter-
nal adjustments can be made only by
authorized service personnel.
If you cannot eliminate the interfer-
ence, the FCC requires that you stop
using your CB.
Internal adjustments and/or modifi-
cations can lead to illegal operation
as defined by Part 95 of FCC Rules.
Such illegal operation can lead to
very serious consequences.
To be safe and sure:
• 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
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 11
Reducing Noise ....................................................................................... 12
Care and Maintenance ................................................................................. 13
Replacing the Power Cord’s Fuse ........................................................... 14
Specifications ............................................................................................... 15
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21-1588.fm Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
PREPARATION
tallic backing on the bottom of
the magnetic base.)
ATTACHING THE
ANTENNA
The supplied magnet-mount antenna
is designed for use only in emergen-
cy or low speed, short-driving situa-
tions. 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 op-
tional
standard-mount
antenna
(available at your local RadioShack
store). If you use a standard-mount
antenna, you also need a plug adapt-
er (Cat. No. 278-208) to connect the
standard antenna’s PL-259 plug to
ANT on your CB.
Notes:
• The base should have full sur-
face contact with steel for the
best possible range.
Follow these steps to mount the sup-
plied antenna.
• To reduce wind force, place
the base toward the back win-
dow.
1. Hold the antenna in an upright
position and extend the antenna.
3. Plug the magnetic base’s wire
into the CB’s ANT jack.
Note: Fully extend the antenna
for maximum range.
2. While your vehicle is stopped,
place the base as near as possi-
ble to the center of your vehi-
cle’s highest flat surface with
pointing toward the front of your
vehicle. (Do not remove the me-
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21-1588.fm Page 6 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
To remove the antenna from your ve-
hicle, grasp the base and then firmly
“peel” it up and off the vehicle’s sur-
face.
Notes:
• If the CB does not operate prop-
erly, check that the lighter socket
is clean and free of ashes or
other debris.
Caution: Never slide the antenna’s
magnetic base across your vehicle’s
painted surface. Dust and dirt parti-
cles might scratch your vehicle’s fin-
ish.
• If the CB still does not work,
check the fuse in the power cord
(see “Replacing the Power
Cord’s Fuse” on Page 14).
CONNECTING POWER
Follow these steps to power the CB
from your vehicle’s battery.
1. Plug the barrel plug of the sup-
DC 12V
plied power cord into
the bottom of the CB.
on
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 infor-
mation that will help you use your CB
effectively and courteously.
3. To transmit, hold the CB 2–3
inches from your mouth, hold
down PUSH TO TALK, and speak
directly into MIC (the built-in
microphone). The TX (transmit)
indicator lights.
Note: Before you operate the CB, be
sure it is connected to power and an
antenna.
In an emergency, broadcast
your “CLIP”:
Call sign — identify yourself
Location — be exact
Injuries — number of injured,
type of injuries, and so on
Problem — give complete de-
tails. Give information calmly,
clearly, and in as few words as
possible
For example, “This is John
Smith at Highway 80 and Ale-
meda Street. There is a two-car
accident here with three injured
adults needing emergency care.
Please send an ambulance.”
1. Turn VOLUME clockwise until it
clicks to turn on the CB. The CB
automatically tunes to Channel
9, the emergency channel.
4. When you finish transmitting, re-
lease PUSH TO TALK. You now
hear other transmissions on that
channel (such as the response
to your call). Adjust VOLUME to
the desired listening level.
2. Select another channel, if de-
sired.
• To immediately select Chan-
nel 19, press 19. Channel 19
is another channel used for
emergencies and traveler as-
sistance.
VOLUME only affects what
Note:
you hear. It has no effect on
transmissions.
• To select any other channel,
repeatedly press (or hold
5. To turn off the CB, turn VOLUME
counterclockwise until it clicks.
down) CHANNEL
or
.
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 emer-
gency use, it does work on all 40 CB
channels and can be used for more
than just emergencies. The following
tips will help you get the most benefit
and satisfaction from your CB.
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 sig-
nal’s range
CB COURTESY
• Wait for a pause in someone
else’s transmission before you
ask for a break.
• The surrounding terrain
mountains and tall buildings limit
the range
—
• If you do not receive an answer
to your call after a second at-
tempt, sign off and wait several
minutes before trying again.
• Weather conditions
• The number of nearby CBs op-
erating on the same channel
• Do not hold down PUSH TO
TALK when you are not talking.
(This is called dead keying.)
• Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) be-
tween the antenna and the CB
You can check the SWR be-
tween the CB and a mobile an-
tenna using an SWR meter (Cat.
No. 21-523). Follow the instruc-
tions supplied with the SWR
meter and the mobile antenna to
change the SWR, if necessary.
• Assist callers with directions,
road conditions, and any other
reasonable requests.
Note: You cannot adjust the
SWR of the supplied antenna.
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USING COMMON 10-
CODES
Code
Meaning
10-13
Report ___________
conditions.
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.
10-14
10-15
10-16
10-17
10-18
10-19
10-20
10-21
10-22
10-23
10-24
10-26
Information.
Message delivered.
Reply to message.
En route.
This table lists the codes adopted by
the Associated Public Safety Com-
munications Officers (APCO).
Urgent.
Contact __________.
My location is _______.
Call ____ by telephone.
Cancel last message.
Arrived at the scene.
Assignment complete.
Code
Meaning
10-1
Cannot understand your
message.
10-2
10-3
10-4
Your signal is good.
Stop transmitting.
Message received and
understood.
Estimated time of arrival
is ____.
10-5
Relay information to
_________.
10-30
10-31
10-33
Use caution.
Pick up.
10-6
I am busy.
Emergency traffic. Clear
the channel.
10-7
Out of service.
In service.
10-8
10-34
The time is _____.
10-9
Repeat last message.
Negative (No).
__________ in service.
Stand by.
Note: Although this table lists the 10-
codes’ 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?).
10-10
10-11
10-12
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21-1588.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
Personal Uses
COMMON USES FOR A
CB RADIO
• 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.
Business Uses
• Truck drivers and delivery per-
sonnel can learn road and traffic
conditions and get assistance in
locating destinations. A CB is
also good company on those
“long hauls.”
• If you are a two-car (or more)
family, CBs are great for com-
municating with family members
while they are in their cars.
• On construction crews, a CB
quickly pays for itself when you
are calling for additional materi-
als or coordinating the activities
of different work crews.
• 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 a
relief it is to be able to radio for
assistance!
• For security officers, a CB is
more than a convenience — it is
a must for both safety and effi-
ciency.
• 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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21-1588.fm Page 11 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
TROUBLESHOOTING
With proper care and handling, your CB should give you years of trouble-free ser-
vice. 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
Suggestion
Not transmitting well.
Fully press PUSH TO TALK.
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 VOLUME clockwise to turn on the CB.
Check the power connection.
Replace the blown fuse in the power cord.
See “Replacing the Power Cord’s Fuse” on
Page 14.
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21-1588.fm Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
• If problems persist, check your
alternator/generator and regula-
tor gauges. Noise from these
sources can be reduced or elimi-
nated using bypass capacitors
at the various voltage points.
REDUCING NOISE
Because your CB is exceptionally
quiet, any noise you hear is probably
from an external source in your vehi-
cle — the ignition, another radio,
spark plugs, and so forth.
Note: Your local RadioShack store
has a wide selection of noise-
suppression equipment.
You can determine the source of the
noise by turning off the engine and
operating the CB with the ignition set
to ACC. If most or all of the noise
goes away, the problem is in your ve-
hicle’s ignition or electrical system.
Here are a few hints to help you re-
duce or eliminate such noise:
• 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 magnet-
mount type, be sure that the ve-
hicle battery’s ground connec-
tion is secure.
• Try replacing old ignition wires
with new, high-voltage, noise-
suppression ignition wires.
• Install noise suppressors on
your spark plugs or install spark
plugs that have built-in suppres-
sors.
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21-1588.fm Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
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. Liq-
uids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic cir-
cuits.
Handle the TRC-401 gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage
circuit boards and cases and can cause the TRC-401 to work im-
properly.
Keep the TRC-401 away from dust and dirt, which can cause pre-
mature wear of parts.
Wipe the TRC-401 with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it look-
ing 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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21-1588.fm Page 14 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
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: Make sure you replace
the fuse only with another fuse
of the same type and rating.
4. To close the cigarette-lighter
plug, replace the cap and turn it
clockwise.
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21-1588.fm Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
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 Output ...................................................... 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 Tolerance .............................................................................. 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)
Dimensions (HWD) ........................................................... 7 ¥ 21/2 ¥ 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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21-1588.fm Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM
Limited Ninety-Day Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-
ship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-
owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS 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 LIMITED WARRANTIES
CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABIL-
ITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RE-
SPECT 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 WAR-
RANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVE-
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN AD-
VISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-
cidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, un-
less otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and
labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase
price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the prop-
erty of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the
original 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) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or
maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as
fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
3/97
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
811080920B
4A8
Printed in Hong Kong
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