Cobra Electronics Portable Radio 200GTL DX User Manual

Owner’s Manual  
AMATEUR 10 METER MOBILE RADIO  
Printed in Philippines  
Part No. 480-217-P  
Version A  
200 GTL DX  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra®  
English  
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Controls and Indicators  
Microphone and Features  
Introduction  
Introduction  
Controls and Indicators  
Microphone  
SWR /  
S/RF  
Press-To-Talk  
Button (PTT)  
Dual 7  
Segment  
Frequency  
Display  
Dim /  
SWR CAL  
CW / FM / AM /  
USB / LSB  
Six Digit  
Frequency  
Display  
Analog  
Meter  
WARNING  
Band  
A / B / C / D  
RX / TX  
Indicator  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.  
DO NOT OPEN. DO NOT REMOVE  
COVER OR BACK. NO USER  
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.  
REFER TO SERVICING TO  
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.  
Features  
- -  
4341 Operating Frequencies  
- -  
4Antenna Warning Indicator  
Illuminates when the antenna system  
needs repair or adjustment.  
Allows operation on all  
available frequencies.  
- -  
- -  
4Echo Control  
430 Watts Output Power  
Provides maximum  
Allows control of echo effect.  
Antenna  
Warning  
Indicator  
NB / ANL  
High/Low Power  
R Beep  
+10  
Frequency  
Selector  
KHz  
power on AM and FM  
100 PEP SSB.  
- -  
4Frequency Display  
Large 6 digit numeric and  
Dual 7 Segment displays on  
the front of the unit.  
Echo  
Microphone  
Connector  
Microphone Gain  
(center knob)  
- -  
4Dual Finals  
(center knob)  
SWR CAL  
(outer ring)  
Provides steady output power.  
RF Gain  
(outer ring)  
Off / On / Volume  
(center knob)  
- -  
- -  
4Dual Power  
4Large Analog Meter  
Provides high visibility of  
status meter.  
Squelch  
(outer ring)  
Allows operation on Low and  
High power.  
Clarifier  
External  
Speaker  
Connector  
Continuous  
Wave Connector  
Fine (center knob)  
Coarse (outer ring)  
Antenna  
Connector  
- -  
- -  
4All Mode Operation  
4NightWatch Panel  
Continuous wave  
Electroluminescent illumination of  
front panel for night operation.  
Frequency or amplitude modulation  
Upper or lower sideband.  
- -  
44 Pin Front Mic Connector  
- -  
4SWR Calibration  
Allows convenient installation in-dash.  
Allows measurement and adjustment  
of the antenna system.  
- -  
4Mic Gain Control  
Allows increased voice clarity by  
dynamically boosting microphone.  
This Cobra radio has a superior receiver that includes an RF gain control and noise  
blanker circuitry as well as an automatic noise limiter. The receiver also features  
increased protection against cross modulation and strong adjacent signals.  
To obtain maximum performance, please read carefully the descriptions and  
operating instructions in this manual.  
Power Cord  
Connector  
English  
English  
A3  
A2  
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Contents  
Introduction  
Introduction  
Our Thanks to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1  
FCC License Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1  
Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2  
Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3  
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3  
Your Mobile Radio  
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Included in this Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4  
Installation and Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9  
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12  
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Operating to Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
Operating to Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  
Government Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  
Alternate Microphones and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17  
ARRL Q Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  
Warranty  
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
Customer Assistance  
Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23  
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
Order Form and Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra®  
1
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Specifications  
Specifications  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Specifications  
Specifications  
General  
Receiver  
Frequency Range  
Frequency Control  
Frequency Stability  
28.0 to 29.7 MHz  
Sensitivity  
AM: 0.5 µV for 10 dB S/N  
FM/SSB/CW: 0.25 µV for 12 dB S/N  
Phase Lock Loop (PLL) synthesizer  
0.005%  
Audio Frequency  
Response  
300 to 3,000 Hz  
Operating  
Temperature Range  
-22°F to 122°F (-6°C to + 50°C)  
Maximum Signal  
to Noise Ratio  
45 dB  
65 dB  
Antenna Impedance  
Antenna Connector  
Microphone  
50 ohms  
Image Rejection  
Standard SO 239 type  
Adjacent  
Channel Rejection  
AM/FM: 60 dB  
SSB/CW: 70 dB  
Plug-in dynamic with Press-To-Talk switch and coiled cord  
Input Voltage  
13.8 V DC nominal, 15.9 V max., 10.0 V min.  
(positive or negative ground)  
RF Gain Control (AGC) 40 dB – adjustable for optimum signal reception  
Squelch  
Adjustable – threshold less than 0.5 µV  
Current Drain  
Size  
Transmit: 8.0 A AM/FM  
15A SSB@100W PEP  
Automatic Noise  
Limiter (ANL)  
Receive (squelched): 0.5 A  
Receive (maximum audio output): 1.2 A  
Switchable  
Switchable  
Noise Blanker (NB)  
Receive Indicators  
3
7
3
2 ⁄8"(H) x 7 ⁄8"(W) x 10 ⁄4"(D)  
[6cm (H) x 20cm (W) x 27.3cm (D)]  
Meter shows relative signal strength.  
Receive LED glows green when receiving a signal.  
Weight  
6.5 lbs.  
Meter (3-in-1)  
Illuminated – indicates relative output power,  
received signal strength, and SWR.  
External Speaker  
Power Output  
4 watts into external speaker  
8 ohms  
Built-in Speaker  
4 watts  
External Speaker  
(Not Supplied)  
Transmitter  
Power Output  
Low – 4 watts AM/FM 12 watts SSB  
High – 30 watts AM/FM 100 watts PEP SSB  
(Specifications subject to change without notice)  
Frequency Response  
Frequency Tolerance  
Transmit Distortion  
300 to 3,000 Hz  
500 Hz  
2%  
Spurious Harmonic  
Emission  
-65 dB  
Output Indicators  
Meter shows relative RF output power and SWR.  
Transmit LED glows red when transmitter is in operation.  
Antenna Warning LED Glows red when SWR is greater than 3.0.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra®  
3
English  
2
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Included in this Package  
Installation and Connection  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Included in this Package  
Installation and Connection  
You should find all of the following items in the package with your radio.  
Refer to the illustration on page A2 for connection points on the back of the  
unit while installing your radio.  
- -  
4Location  
Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone brackets before starting the installation.  
Select a location that is convenient for operation and does not interfere with the driver or  
passengers in the vehicle. In automobiles, the transceiver is usually mounted below the  
dash panel, with the microphone bracket beside it.  
Transceiver  
Universal Mounting Bracket  
- -  
4Mounting  
Your mobile radio is supplied with a universal mounting bracket. When mounting the bracket  
and radio to your car, make sure it is mechanically strong. Also provide a good electrical  
connection to the chassis of the vehicle. Proceed as follows to mount the transceiver:  
- -  
4Mount the Transceiver  
1. After you have determined the most convenient location in your vehicle, hold the mobile  
radio with the mounting bracket in the exact location desired. If nothing will interfere  
with mounting it in the desired position, remove the thumbscrews and use the  
mounting bracket as a template to mark the holes for the mounting screws. Before  
drilling the holes, make sure nothing behind the surface will be damaged or interfere  
with the installation.  
Operating Instructions  
Microphone  
Controls and Indicators  
Introduction  
Controls and Indicators  
SWR  
S/RF  
/
Dual  
7
Dim  
/
CW  
/
FM  
/
/
AM  
LSB  
/
Six Digit  
Frequency  
Display  
Segment  
Frequency  
Display  
SWR CAL  
USB  
Analog  
Meter  
Band  
C D  
R
X
/
T
X
A
/
B
/
/
Indicator  
2. Connect the antenna cable plug to the standard receptacle (ANT) on the rear panel.  
Most antennas are terminated with a type PL-259 plug and mate with the receptacle.  
Antenna  
Warning  
Indicator  
NB  
/
ANL  
+10  
Frequency  
Selector  
KHz  
High/Low Power  
R
Echo  
Beep Microphone  
Connector  
Microphone Gain  
(center knob)  
(center knob)  
SWR CAL  
(outer ring)  
RF Gain  
(outer ring)  
Off  
/
On Volume  
/
(center knob)  
Squelch  
(outer ring)  
Clarifier Fine  
(center knob)  
External  
Speaker  
Connector  
Continuous  
Wave Connector  
Antenna  
Connector  
Coarse  
(outer ring)  
3. Connect the red DC power input wire (with the fuse) to +13.8 V DC. This wire extends  
from the rear panel. In automobile installation, connect directly to positive terminal  
(red) of the vehicle's battery. We recommend that you install a fuse within six inches  
of the battery.  
Power Cord  
Connector  
A2 English  
4. Connect the black lead to -13.8 V DC to the negative (black) post of the battery.  
Microphone Bracket  
5. Mount the microphone bracket on either side of the transceiver, using the two screws  
supplied. When mounting in an automobile, place the bracket under the dash so the  
microphone is readily accessible.  
6. Attach the microphone cable to the connector on the face of the transceiver.  
NOTE  
If the radio is to be used to send Morse code, an optional telegraph  
key will need to be connected to the CW Key Connector on the back  
of the unit.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra®  
5
English  
4
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Installation and Connection  
Installation and Connection  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Installation and Connection  
Installation and Connection  
- -  
4Ignition Noise Interference  
- -  
4Tuning the Antenna for Optimum SWR  
Use of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is normally limited by the presence of  
electrical noise. The primary source of noise in automobile installations is from the  
generator and ignition system in the vehicle. Under most operating conditions, when  
signal level is adequate, the background noise does not present a serious problem.  
However, when extremely low-level signals are being received, the transceiver may  
be operated with vehicle engine turned off. The unit requires very little current and  
therefore will not significantly discharge the vehicle battery.  
Because such a wide variety of base and mobile antennas are available, this section  
will concern itself only with the usual types of mobile adjustable antennas.  
Antenna length is directly related to signal frequency. Therefore, it must be  
tuned to resonate optimally throughout the frequency range of the transceiver.  
Lower frequencies require a longer antenna than higher frequencies.  
Due to the various methods of adjusting antennas for proper SWR, we have  
chosen what we think is the optimum method:  
Even though your mobile radio has ANL and NB controls, in some installations ignition  
A. Antennas with adjustable screws (set screws).  
interference may be high enough to make good communications impossible. The electrical  
noise may come from several sources. Many possibilities exist and variations between  
vehicles require different solutions to reduce the noise. Consult your Cobra dealer or a  
two-way radio technician for help in locating and correcting the source of severe noise.  
1. Start with the antenna extended and tighten the setscrew lightly enough so  
that the antenna can be lightly tapped with your finger for easy adjustment.  
2. Set your mobile radio to your desired operating frequency or the center of  
the range of frequencies you plan to use. Press the PTT (Press-To-Talk) switch,  
and tap the antenna (making it shorter). The SWR meter will show a lower reading  
each time the antenna is tapped. By continuing to shorten the antenna, you will  
notice the SWR reading will reach a low point and then start rising again.  
This means that you have passed the optimum point for the middle frequency.  
- -  
4Antenna  
In addition to transmitter power, the antenna is an important factor affecting transmission  
distance. Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maximum power transfer  
from the 50 ohm transmission line to the radiating element. In mobile installations  
(cars, trucks, etc.), an antenna system that is non-directional should be used.  
3. Extend the antenna a short distance and again follow the procedure above.  
A vertically polarized, quarter-wavelength whip antenna provides the most reliable  
operation and greatest range. Shorter, loaded-type whip antennas are more attractive,  
compact and adequate for applications where the maximum possible distance is not  
required. Also, the loaded whips do not present the problems of height imposed by  
a full quarter-wavelength whip.  
4. When the lowest point has been reached, switch to 28.0 MHz and then  
to 29.7 MHz and compare SWR readings. They should be almost equal.  
B. Antennas that must be cut to proper length.  
1. Follow the procedure as in A above, but adjust the length  
by cutting in 8" increments until a good match is obtained.  
Mobile whip antennas utilize the metal body of the vehicle as a ground plane.  
When mounted at a corner of the vehicle, they are slightly directional, in the direction  
of the body of the vehicle. For all practical purposes, however, the radiation pattern  
is non-directional. The slight directional characteristic will be observed only at extreme  
distances. A standard antenna connector (type SO 239) is provided on the transceiver  
for easy connection to a standard PL 259 cable termination.  
1
2. Be very careful not to cut too much off the antenna at one time.  
Once it is cut, it can no longer be lengthened.  
3. The whip is easily cut by filing a notch all the way around,  
then breaking the piece off with pliers.  
If the transceiver is not mounted on a metal surface, it is necessary to run a  
separate ground wire from the unit to a good metal electrical ground in the vehicle.  
NOTE  
The proper setting is achieved when the SWR is 1.5 or below and when it has  
the same reading for the low and high frequencies in the range you plan to use.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra®  
7
English  
6
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Installation and Connection  
and Operation  
Controls  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Installation and Connection  
Controls  
If you are having difficulties in adjusting your antenna, check the following:  
1. All doors must be closed when adjusting the antenna.  
- -  
4Off / On / Volume  
Turn clockwise to apply power to the unit and to set the desired listening level.  
During normal operation, the volume control is used to adjust the output level  
obtained either at the transceiver speaker or the external speaker, if used.  
2. Make sure the antenna base is grounded.  
3. Check your coaxial cable routing — it may be pinched where routed into the car.  
4. Try a different location on your car — keeping in mind the radiation pattern you want.  
5. Make sure the antenna is perfectly vertical.  
- -  
4Squelch  
This control is used to cut off or eliminate receiver background noise in the absence  
of an incoming signal. For maximum receiver sensitivity, it is desired that the control be  
adjusted only to the point where the receiver background noise or ambient background  
noise is eliminated. Turn fully counterclockwise, then slowly clockwise, until the receiver  
noise disappears. Any signal to be received must now be slightly stronger than the  
average received noise. Further clockwise rotation will increase the threshold level  
that a signal must overcome in order to be heard. Only strong signals will be heard  
at the maximum clockwise setting.  
6. Try a different location in your neighborhood. Stay away from large metal objects  
(metal utility or light poles, fences, etc.) when adjusting.  
NOTE  
The radio will operate into a SWR of 2 to 1 indefinitely and sustain an  
SWR of 20 to 1 for a maximum of 5 minutes at rated operating conditions.  
- -  
4RF Gain  
- -  
4External Speaker  
Used to reduce the gain of the RF amplifier when receiving very strong signals.  
The external speaker jack (EXT) on the rear panel is used for remote receiver monitoring.  
The external speaker should have 8 ohms impedance and be able to handle at least  
four watts. When the external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker is disabled.  
- -  
4Microphone Gain  
Adjusts the microphone gain in the transmit mode. This controls the gain to the extent  
that full talk power is available several inches away from the microphone.  
Operation  
- -  
4CW / FM / AM / USB / LSB  
Selects the mode of operation.  
There are 17 controls and 4 indicators on the front panel of your mobile radio.  
These are shown in the illustration on page A2 which may be folded out for  
reference when using this section.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra®  
9
English  
8
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Controls  
Controls  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Controls  
Controls  
- -  
4High Power  
- -  
4NB / ANL  
Places the transmitter in high power (30 watts) mode when the button is pressed to  
the in position and in low power (4 watts) mode when the button is in the out position.  
When this button is in the ANL (in) position, only the automatic noise limiter in  
the audio circuits is activated. When the button is in the NB/ANL (out) position,  
the RF noise blanker also is activated. The RF noise blanker is very effective for  
repetitive impulse noise such as ignition interference.  
- -  
4SWR / S/RF  
When this button is in the S/RF (out) position, the display meter swings proportionately  
to the strength of the signal received or the output power being transmitted.  
- -  
4Echo  
This control is used to adjust the output level of the echo circuit. It is also  
detented at the fully counter clockwise position to turn off the echo circuit.  
When the button is in the SWR (in) position, the standing wave ratio is measured  
on the display meter.  
- -  
4R Beep  
- -  
4Dim / SWR CAL  
When this button is pressed to the in position, the radio will insert a tone  
(Roger beep) to indicate the end of each transmission as the Press-To-Talk  
button on the microphone is released.  
Adjusts the NightWatch™ panel and meter brightness in steps from min. to max.  
when this button is pressed and released repeatedly. The antenna warning LED is  
not affected by this control.  
When the button is in the out position, the tone function will be off.  
To place this control in the CAL position, press and hold the button. The SWR  
function can then be calibrated on the display meter by adjusting the SWR CAL  
control to move the needle to the calibration mark on the display meter face.  
- -  
4Clarifier  
The clarifier function is used to make small adjustments in frequency  
when using the radio in single sideband mode (USB or LSB). Thereby,  
the receiver can be matched to the signal being received for the best  
voice clarity at the speaker.  
- -  
4SWR CAL  
This control is used in conjunction with the DIM / SWR CAL button to calibrate the  
standing wave ratio circuit to full scale on the display meter in preparation for measuring  
the standing wave ratio that the antenna is presenting to the transceiver.  
The outer ring makes coarser and the inner knob finer adjustments.  
Both controls increase frequency when turned clockwise and decrease  
it when turned counter-clockwise.  
The standing wave ratio can be checked to insure that maximum power is being  
radiated for the longest signal range. The antenna must be in good condition, properly  
adjusted and matched to your transceiver. The SWR function of the display meter lets  
you easily measure your antenna condition. To operate this function, select a frequency  
near the middle of the range such as 28.850 MHz or the one you plan to use most.  
With the power on, press and hold the DIM / SWR CAL button. Press and hold the  
microphone Press-To-Talk button and, using the SWR CAL knob, adjust the meter  
to the CAL position indicated on the display meter. Then, release the microphone  
and DIM / SWR CAL buttons. Press the SWR / S/RF to the in position and again  
press and hold the microphone Press-To-Talk button and read the SWR indicated.  
Lower figures are the better, with 1 being ideal. Generally, readings up to 3 are  
acceptable, but a reading greater than 3 indicates that you are losing radiated  
power and antenna adjustment may be advisable. When finished, return the  
SWR control to the minimum position.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra® 11  
English  
10  
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Frequency  
Frequency  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Frequency  
Frequency  
Three controls and one indicator are used together to set and display the radio  
frequency on which your mobile radio will receive and transmit signals. In this  
connection, it is important to understand the frequency bands built into the unit  
and the way they are displayed on the Dual 7 Segment Display.  
- -  
4Frequency Display  
Receive and transmit frequencies are shown directly by the 6 digit numeric  
display in 100 Hz increments.  
Frequencies are also displayed on the Dual 7 Segment Display using a combination of  
numerical figures and decimal points. The figures indicate the first two values after the  
The 10 meter frequency range is broken down into four bands on your  
mobile radio. These are selected using the Band A / B / C / D knob.  
decimal point in the frequency, such as the 00 in 28.005 MHz. The right hand decimal point  
in the display indicates whether the third value after the decimal point in the frequency is  
0 or 5 — if the right hand decimal is visible on the display, the third value is 5; if it is not  
visible, the third value is 0. The left hand decimal point in the display (between the two  
figures) indicates whether the two values before the decimal point in the frequency are  
28 or 29 — if the left hand decimal is visible on the display, the first two values are 29;  
if it is not visible, the first two values are 28. Refer to the examples in the following table.  
Band  
Frequency Range — MHz  
28.000 – 28.495  
A
B
C
D
28.500 – 28.995  
29.000 – 29.495  
29.500 – 29.700  
Channel Display  
Frequency Display  
Frequency  
28.000  
28.005  
29.000  
29.005  
28.350  
28.455  
29.250  
29.635  
0 0  
Within each band, frequencies can be selected in 5 kHz or 10 kHz increments,  
such as 28.005 MHz in Band A or 29.455 MHz in Band C. These are selected  
using the Frequency Selector knob after the band has been chosen.  
0 0.  
0.0  
0.0.  
3 5  
88  
Frequency Display  
4 5.  
2.5  
28/29 MHz  
0/5 kHz  
6.3.  
000000 00  
- -  
4Band A / B / C / D  
This control selects the desired frequency band.  
- -  
4Frequency Selector  
6 Digit Numeric Display  
Dual 7 Segment Display  
This detented control is a 360º multi-position switch used to increase or  
decrease the operating frequency in 5 or 10 kHz steps within the selected band.  
- -  
4+10 kHz  
When this button is in the out position, the operating frequency is increased or  
decreased by 5 kHz with each click of the frequency selector knob. When the button  
is in the in position, faster tuning is available because the operating frequency is  
increased or decreased by 10 kHz with each click of the frequency selector knob.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra® 13  
English  
12  
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Operating to Receive and  
Transmit  
Indicators and Microphone  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Indicators  
Operating to Receive  
To begin operating your radio:  
- -  
4Analog Meter  
The meter needle swings proportionally to the strength of the incoming signal  
or RF output power in receive or transmit modes.  
1. Be sure the power source, microphone and antenna are properly connected.  
2. Turn the unit on by turning the volume knob clockwise and set the volume for a  
When used to tune the antenna or monitor the quality of the coaxial cable and  
RF electrical connections, the needle swings proportionally to the ratio of standing  
wave voltage and RF output. If there is any degradation in these, due to humidity,  
salt, spray, vibration or corrosion, the SWR meter reading will rise, thereby  
indicating that a problem exists.  
comfortable listening level.  
3. Set the CW / FM / AM / USB / LSB switch to the desired mode.  
4. Set the RF gain control fully clockwise for maximum RF gain.  
5. Listen to the background noise from the speaker, then turn the squelch ring slowly  
clockwise until the noise just disappears (no signal should be present). Leave the  
control at this setting. The squelch is now properly adjusted. The receiver will remain  
quiet until a signal is actually received. Do not advance the control too far, or some  
of the weaker signals will not be heard.  
- -  
4RX / TX Indicator  
This indicator glows green when in receive mode and red when in transmit mode.  
- -  
4Antenna Indicator  
This indicator glows red whenever the standing wave ratio is greater than 3 to 1.  
6. Select the desired frequency with the band and frequency selector knobs.  
7. Adjust other controls as desired.  
Microphone  
The receive and transmit modes are controlled by the Press-To-Talk (PTT) switch  
on the microphone. Press the switch to transmit, release it to receive. When transmitting,  
hold the microphone two inches from the mouth and speak clearly in a normal voice.  
Operating to Transmit  
To transmit a signal:  
1. Select the desired frequency for transmission if different from the one  
chosen to receive.  
To substitute for the supplied low-impedance (500 ohm) dynamic microphone,  
see the alternate microphones and installation section on page 17.  
2. Set the microphone gain knob fully clockwise.  
3. If the frequency is clear, depress the Press-To-Talk switch on the  
microphone and speak in a normal voice.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra® 15  
English  
14  
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Maintenance and Government  
Regulatory Information  
Alternate Microphones  
and Installation  
Your Mobile Radio  
Your Mobile Radio  
Maintenance  
Alternate Microphones and Installation  
The transceiver is specifically designed for the environment encountered in mobile  
installations. The use of all solid-state circuitry and its light weight result in high reliability.  
Should a failure occur, however, replace parts only with identical parts. Do not substitute.  
For best results, the user should select a low-impedance dynamic type microphone  
or a transistorized microphone. Transistorized-type microphones have a low output  
impedance characteristic. The microphone must be provided with a four-lead cable.  
The audio conductor and its shielded lead comprise two of the leads. The third lead  
is for receive control, the fourth is for transmit control.  
NOTE  
If the performance described in the operation sections is not obtained, review  
the installation instructions to insure that proper procedures were followed.  
If a problem still exists, refer to the product service section on page 23.  
The microphone should provide the functions shown in the schematic below.  
- -  
44 Wire Mic Cable  
Pin Number  
Mic Cable Lead  
Grounding  
Government Regulatory Information  
1
2
3
4
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.  
Audio Lead  
Transmit Control  
Receive Control  
Transmitting using this radio requires an Amateur Radio License. If you live in the  
Fig. 1 Cobra microphone schematic  
If the microphone to be used is provided with pre-cut leads,  
they must be revised as follows.  
7
1. Cut leads so that they extend 16" beyond the plastic insulating  
jacket of the microphone cable (see Fig. 2).  
1
2. All leads should be cut to the same length. Strip the ends of each wire ⁄  
8
"
and tin the exposed wire.  
Before beginning the actual wiring, read carefully the circuit and wiring  
information provided with the microphone you select. Use the minimum  
heat required in soldering the connections. Keep the exposed wire lengths  
to a minimum to avoid shorting when the microphone plug is reassembled.  
Nothing comes close to a Cobra® 17  
English  
16  
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