Cobra 2-Way Radio User manual

How to Use Your Cobra
MicroTalk 2-Way Radio
1
Featuresof This Product
• UHFFMFrequencies
• No LicenseRequired
• No AirTime Fees
• Upto2milerange
• 14MainChannels
• 38CTCSSSubchannels
• LCDFunctionDisplay
• TalkConfirmationTone
• Call/RingButton
• RechargingPads
• RetractableAntenna
• AutoBatterySaverCircuity
• AutoSquelch
• 10MemoryLocations
• FullChannel/CTCSSScan
• Lock Key
• Ring/VibrateNotification
• BeltClip
• WaterResistant
Contents
Features.....................................................................................1
The FRS Story .........................................................................A1
FCCWarnings
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators..........................................................A2
OurThanks toYou ................................................................A3
Customer Support.............................................................A3
Operating your microTALK
Battery Installation............................................................2
LCD Display ..........................................................................4
Turning On............................................................................4
Auto Battery Power Saver...............................................5
Select Main Channel (1-14)............................................5
Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38)................................7
Battery Low..........................................................................8
Calling Another Party.......................................................9
Talking To Another Party.................................................10
Talk Confirmation Tone....................................................12
Listening For Another Party...........................................12
Auto Squelch........................................................................13
Maximum Range Extender..............................................13
microTALK Range...............................................................13
Advanced Features..............................................................14
Programming Memory Locations................................15
Using Memory Locations................................................19
Scan Function......................................................................21
Ringer/Vibrate Modes......................................................25
Tone Settings.......................................................................28
Lock Function......................................................................30
DualWatch Function........................................................31
microTALK Range...............................................................35
Making Life Easier And Safer..........................................36
External Microphone/Speaker Jack ............................38
Frequency Ranges................................................................40
microTALK Specifications.................................................41
LimitedTwo Year Warranty..............................................42
Optional Accessories ..........................................................43
Order Form ..............................................................................44
If You Think You Need Service..................Back Cover
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 1

Pulllock tab down
and lift door up
(towards you) to
remove battery
cover.
Insertfour“AAA”
batteries.Position
batteries according
to polaritymarkings.
Operation
3
Operation
2
Note
Batteriesnotincludedwith
microTALK2-wayradio.
Note
Alwaysusehighquality
alkalineorNiMHbatteries.
Incorrectpositioningcan
damageboththebatteries
andtheunit.
Only the Cobra NiMH
battery(Part#FA-BP)
packcanberecharged.
See Accessorieson page43.
Chargeportsforrecharging
NiMH(NickelMetalHydride)
batterypackarelocatedon
backofunit.
Note
When batteriesare lowor need
chargingthe
BATT LOWindicatorwillblink.
Replace alkaline
batteriesorrechargeNiMH
batterypack.
Install Batteries
Battery
Installation
Clear antenna.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 2

Turning On Your microTalk
Pressandhold the power button for 2
seconds.An audible “tone”will indicate the unit is
on and then the LCD will go through a 3 second
self-test and then go to Operational Mode.
Operation
5
Note
Whenevertheunitis onyou
canreceivecommunica-
tions.
Turning
On Your
microTALK
Operation
4
Note
TheAutoBatterySaveCircuit
doesnoteffecttheunit’s
abilitytoreceiveincoming
transmissions.
Auto Battery Power Saver
Your microTALK has a unique circuit designed to
extend battery life. If there are no transmissions
within 10 seconds, the unit will automatically
switch to battery Save Mode.
The icon will flash.
Auto Battery
Power Saver
Illuminating the Display
Illuminating
the Display
Pressandrelease LIGHT/MAX RANGE
button to illuminate display for ten seconds.
Note
Unitsmustbeonsame
channelandsubchannelsto
communicate.
Note
Channels8-12generallyare
lessusedandgivebetterresults
forcommunicationsinmost
areas.
Note
Pushandholdthechannel
up/downbuttonforfastchan-
neladvance.
Select Main
Channel
Select Main Channel (1-14)
Turn on the microTALK.An audible“tone”will
indicate the unit is on and then the LCD will
go through a 3 second self-test and then go to
Operational Mode.
Select channel by moving the Channel Button
up or down.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 4

Select main channel by the Channel Button up
or down.
Operation
7
Operation
6
Note
If youpush andhold theMode
Button,the LCD display will
cyclethrough
thedifferentfunctions.
Note
ToreturntoOperationalMode
andnotsave yourlast setting
pushandreleasetalk
button.
Note
CTCSS(CodedToneControlled
Squelch System)is an
advancedsubcoding
systemthatallows
segmentationofamainchan-
nel.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
Pushandrelease Mode Button. Small num-
bers flash next to channel display on LCD.
Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38)
The CTCSS Subchannel allows the user to utilizea less
used channel range (00-38) within amainchannel.
Turn on the microTALK.An audible “tone”will
indicate the unit is on and then the LCD will go
through a 3 second self-test and then go to
Operational Mode.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
Note
PressandholdtheChannel
Buttonupanddownforfast
channeladvance.
Selectsubcode number bymoving the Channel
Button up or down.
When desired code is displayed pressand
release Lock Button.If key stroke tone is
on,an audible tone will confirm your selection.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 6

Operation
9
Operation
8
Battery Low
When in normal use the icon may begin
flashing. This is a warning to you that your
batteries are getting low.
Replace alkaline batteries as soon as possible
and/or recharge NiMH battery pack.
Note
Whenbatterycapacityisatthe
1/4levelitis recommended
thatyoureplacealkalinebat-
teriesorrechargeyourNiMH
(NickelMetalHydride)battery
pack.
OnlytheCobraNiMH
battery(Part#FA-BP)
packcanberecharged.
Note
NiMHrechargeablebattery
Pack(item#FA-BP)anddesk-
topcharger(item#FA-CR) are
notincludedwiththisunit. See
Accessoriessectiononpage43.
Battery Low Calling
Another
Party
Turnon your microTALK 2-way radio.
An audible“tone”will indicate the unit is on.
The LCD will go through a 3 second self test
and then to Operational Mode.
Place antenna in full upright position.
Calling Another Party
To alert another party that you wish
to communicate:
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 8

HeadlineOperation
11
Note
WhileTalkButtonisdepressed
youcannot
receiveincomingcalls.
Note
Whenyoureleasethe
Talk Button,the person you are
talkingtowillheara tone indi-
catingthatit’soktotalk.See
TalkConfirmationTonesection
onpage14.
Release Talk Button and listen for response.
Hold mic about 2 inches from mouth.
Speak in a normal voice.
Pressandhold Talk Button.
The icon will appear.
Pressandrelease Call Button.The indica-
tor icon will flash and the icon will remain
on for 3 seconds.The unit you are calling will
hear a 2 second ring tone.
Your microTALK is always in the Standby Mode
when the Talk Button is not depressed.
Note
Yourincoming“Call”audio
ringinglevelisdependent on
yourunit’svolumesetting.
Operation
10
Select desired channel by moving the Channel
Button up and down. Both the calling and
receiving units must be on same channel and
subchannel for the call function to work.
Talking to
Another Party Talking to Another Party
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 10

Operation
13
Operation
12
Talk
Confirmation
Tone
Standby Mode
When finished talking:
Standby Mode
Release Talk Button to receive incoming
transmissions.
Your microTALK is always in the Standby Mode
when the Talk Button is not pressed and you are
not in Function Mode. See Advanced Features
section on page 14.
Note
WhileTalkButton isdepressed
youcannot receiveincoming
communications.
Note
Tolearn moreabout therange
ofyourmicroTALK,
seepage35.
Rangeisdependenton
batteryconditionand
geographicterritory.
Auto Squelch
Maximum
Range
Extender
Auto Monitor
Maximum Range Extender
Auto squelch can be temporarily removed toallow
all signals toenter(Maximum Range Extender).
Auto Squelch
Your microTALK is equipped with Auto Squelch,
which automatically shuts off weak transmissions
and unwanted noise due to terrain conditions or
if you have reached your range limit.
Pushandhold LIGHT/MAX RANGE
Button to allow all signals to enter.
Auto Monitor
When the signal you want to hear is consistently
weak,you may place the radio in Maximum
Range Mode without having to constantly hold
the button:Press and hold the Maximum Range
Extender button for five seconds.You will hear an
audible“beep”confirmation.To return to normal
operation,momentarily press the Maximum
Range Extender Button again or change channels.
Talk Confirmation Tone
Your listener will hear an audible
tone when you release
the Talk Button.
This alerts the other party that
you are finished talking and it’s
OK for them to begin talking.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 12

Advanced Features
15
Advanced Features
14
Advanced Features
Your microTALK has many advanced features
not found on other 2-way radios.
These include:
• 10 Memory Storage Location and Recall
• Full Channel/Sub Channel Scan
• Dual Watch
• Ring/Vibrate Notification Modes
• Tone Indicator Settings
Key Stroke Tone
Talk Confirmation Tone
• Lock Key
Advanced
Features
Note
Whenusingor programming
functions,pushingand
releasingtheMode Buttonor
the LockButton will save all
enteredinformation.
Note
ToexitoutofFunctionMode
and returnto OperationalMode
withoutsavingenteredinfor-
mationsimplypressthe Pressto
Talk Button. Pushandrelease Mode Button until
icon and a memory location flashes.
Select memory location you wish to change by
pressing the Channel Button up and down
Programming Memory Locations
Your microTALK has 10 memory (0-9) locations
for storing your most frequently used channels.
Turn on the microTALK. An audible“tone”will
indicate the unit is on and then the LCD will
go through a 3 second self-test and then go to
Operational Mode.
Programming
Memory
Locations
continued
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 14

Pressandrelease Mode Button again.
Main Channel and icon will flash.
Select desired main channel you wish to store
(1-14) by pushing the Channel Button up
or down.
Advanced Features
17
Note
Once youenter MemoryMode
youcantalkandlistentoany
channelyouselectafterpro-
grammingis
complete. SeeUsingMemory
Locationssectionon
page19.
Advanced Features
16
Programming
Memory
Locations
Programming Memory Locations continued
continued
Pushthe Channel Button up or down to set
the main channel in memory and move to
subchannel selection. The subchannel begins
flashing.The icon will remain flashing.
Select desired subchannel you wish to store
(00-38) by pushing the Channel Button up
or down.
Note
Pushand holdthe Channel
Buttonupanddownorfast
channeladvance.
Note
You canpush andhold the Talk
Buttonto begintalking any-
time.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 16

After selecting your Memory Channel and
Main/Sub Channels, for immediate entry
press Talk Button.
or...
After selecting you Memory Channel and
Main/Sub Channel,DO NOT press any buttons
for 10 seconds and your unit will automatically
set the Memory and Main/Sub Channels.It will
then go to the NEW channel.
Pressandrelease Lock Button to return to
Operational Mode original Main Channel.
or...
Pressandrelease Mode Button to proceed
to next Function Mode (Scan).
Advanced Features
19
Advanced Features
18
Programming Memory Locations
Programming
Memory
Locations
Note
If youpush andhold theMode
Button,the LCD display will
cyclethroughthedifferent
functions.
continued
Using Memory
Locations
Select desired memory location you wish
to recall (0-9) by pressingthe Channel
Button up or down.
Pressandrelease Mode Button until
icon and a memory location flashes.
Memory Channel Recall/Talk
To recall a channel in memory:
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 18

Advanced Features
21
Advanced Features
20
Pressandhold Talk Button and talk.Your
radio will stay on this recalled location until
you exit out of Memory Function Mode.
Repeat step 2 for recalling other memory
locations.
Pressandrelease Mode Button.
To exit the Memory Mode and return to
Operational Mode:
Note
If theMode Buttonis pushed
whilelistening/talking,
programmingwillbegin.
See Programming Memory
Locationsonpage15.
Note
ThemicroTALK“zerosout”the
subchannelstoallowscanning
ofthemainchannels.
Scan Function
Scan Function
Pressandrelease Mode Button until
icon and main channel flashes.
Turn on microTALK.An audible“tone”will
indicate the unit is on and then the LCD will go
through a 3 second self-test and then go to
Operational Mode.
continued
Using Memory
Locations
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 20

Advanced Features
23
Advanced Features
22
Press Channel Button up or down and the
unit will begin scanning the main channels.
Unit will continueto scan all main channelsand
stop,if anincoming transmission isdetected.
Your microTALK will pick it up for 10 seconds.
Within 10 seconds you can:
Pressandhold TalkButton and talk. Your radio
willreturnto Operational Mode on thatchannel.
or...Pressandrelease Channel Button up or down
to rescan the main channel.
or...Proceed to subchannel scan on next page.
continued
Scan Function continued
Scan Function
Pressandrelease Mode Button and
subchannel and Scan Icon will flash.
To scan subchannels:
Pressandrelease Channel Button up or down
and subchannel scanning begins and stops
when an incoming transmission is detected.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 22

Note
If youwish toproceedto the
nextFunctionMode,pressand
releaseModeButton.
Advanced Features
24
Scan Function continued
Your microTALK will pick it up for 10 seconds.
Within 10 seconds you can:
Pressandhold Talk button andtalk.Your radio
will returntoOperational Mode on that channel.
or...
Pressandrelease Channel Button up or down
to rescan the main channel.
To exit the Scan Mode and return to
Operational Mode:
Scan Function
1Pressandrelease Mode Button.
Advanced Features
25
Ringer/Vibrate Modes
Your microTALK will signal you that there is an
incoming transmission with either a tone or a
vibration or both.To set for Ringer/Vibrate:
Turn on microTALK.An audible“tone”will
indicate the unit is on and then the LCD will go
through a 3 second self-test and then go to
Operational Mode.
Ringer/Vibrate
Modes
Pressandrelease Mode Button until
icon flashes.
Press Channel Button up and down until
icon appears for Ringer Only Mode. continued
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 24

Advanced Features
27
Advanced Features
26
Note
Whenyoupressandholdthe
Talk Button,the unit exits out
toOperationalMode.
If,after10secondsnoselection
ismade,the unitwill returnto
OperationalMode.
Ringer/Vibrate Modes continued
Ringer/Vibrate
Modes
Pressandrelease Channel Button up and
down againand both iconswill be displayed
forRingerandVibrate Mode.
Pressandrelease Channel Button up and down
again. icon appears for Vibrator Only Mode.
After selecting the mode you desirepressand
release Lock Button or Mode Button
to proceed to next function.
Ringer/Vibrate Test
To test the ringer/vibrate Mode:
Turn on unit.
Pressandhold Lock Button and Call
Button simultaneously.
Unit will ring, vibrate,or ring/vibrate for 4
seconds.
Note
UnitmustbeinOperational
Modetotestring/vibrate.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 26

Advanced Features
Talk ConfirmationTone Indicator
Totemporarily eliminatetheTalk ConfirmationTone:
Advanced Features
Tone
Settings
2928
Tone Setting
Press Mode Button until flashing
Press Channel Button up or down to turn
on or off.
To set option:
Press Lock Button.This will immediately
enter new setting;
Press Mode Button.This will enter new set-
ting and go to new Function Mode;
Wait 10 seconds.It will go to Operational
Mode with new setting.
Press Mode Button until flashing
Press Channel Button up or down to turn
on or off.
To set option:
Press Lock Button.This will immediately
enter new setting;
Press Mode Button.This will enter new set-
ting and go to new Function Mode;
Wait 10 seconds.It will go to Operational
Mode with new setting.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 28

Advanced Features
31
Pressandholdforonesecond LockButton.
icon flashes. If the Beep Function isONyou
will hear anaudibleconfirmation.Mostbuttons
are locked.
To“unlock”pressandrelease button again.
If the Beep FunctionisONyouwillhearanaudi-
ble confirmation.Most buttons are locked.
Buttons are“unlocked”and icon disappears.
Advanced Features
30
Note
CallButton,RangeExtender
ButtonandTalkButton
donot lockand arefully
operational whiletheunit
islocked.
Theunit cannotlock whilein
FunctionMode.
Lock Function
The purpose of the LOCK function is to lock most
buttons to avoid accidental operation.
To engage the LOCK function:
Lock Function
Dual Watch Function
DualWatch allows you to simultaneously monitor
any two preselected Family Radio Service channels.
Select first channel and CTCSS code which
you desire to Dual Watch. (please see
pages 6 and 7).
DualWatch
Function
continued
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 30

Advanced Features
33
Advanced Features
32
Dual Watch Function
Dual Watch
Function
Pressandrelease Mode Button until
iconflashes.
Press Channel Button up and down to
select second channel.
Dual Watch
Function
Press Mode Button to setCTCSS.
CTCSS channel numberswill flash.
Press Channel Button upand down
to select CTCSS.
Press Lock Button.This will store the sec-
ond channel and CTCSS and start DualWatch.
To terminate Dual Watch and go to Normal
Mode,press Lock orTalk Buttons.
continued
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:56 AM Page 32

35
microTALK Range
microTALK Range
Your microTALKRadio has a range ofup to 2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.
microTALK
Range
Under flat,open condi-
tions you willexperi-
ence the microTALK’s
maximum range.
Range can be reduced
by buildings and foliage
in the path of the signal.
Rangewill befurther
reduced by dense
foliage and hilly terrain.
To achievemaximum
rangetheautosquelch
canbeoverridden.
RefertoMaximum
RangeExtendersection
onpage13.
Dual Watch Function
34
Dual Watch Function
Dual Watch
Function
To enter Dual Watch when the second channel
and CTCSS are already stored,press the
Mode Button until icon flashes.
Press Talk Button to exit Dual Watch Mode.
Press Lock Button.Dual watch will begin.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:57 AM Page 34

37
microTALK 2-Way Radio Can Make Life
Easier and Safer
Making Life Easier and Safer
Checking on traveling
companions in another
car.
Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.
microTALK
2-Way Radio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
Holster/Belt Clip/Desk Stand
Your microTALK Radio comes with a custom mold-
ed plastic holster.Its unique dual-function design
enables it to act as a handy desktop storage unit,
as well as easily attaching to your belt for maxi-
mum convenience and portability.
Desk Stand Belt Clip
Holster-
Belt Clip and
Desk Stand
36
Making Life Easier and Safer
microTALK 2-Way Radio Can Make Life
Easier and Safer
As you become familiar with your microTALK
Radio you will find many of your own uses for
the unit.Some suggestions include:
microTALK
2-Way Radio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
Talking with
fellow hikers. Keepingtrack ofthe kids in a shoppingmall.
Talking to a neighbor or
a friend.
Communicating between
basement and first,sec-
ond or thirdfloor.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:57 AM Page 36

3938
External Microphone/Speaker Jack
Note
Externalmicrophone/
speaker(item#FA-SM)isnot
includedwiththisunit. See
Accessoriessectiononpage43
foravailableunits.
External Microphone/Speaker Jack
Your microTALK 2-Way Radio can be fitted with
an external microphone/speaker, (not included)
freeing your hands for other tasks.
To attach the external microphone/speaker:
External
Microphone/
Speaker Jack
Insert jack into the Mic/Spkr ports.
Open Mic/Spkr tab on top of unit.
Never place the
unit in water or in
a moist place.
Avoid exposure
toextreme
temperatures.
Caring for Your microTALK Radio
The microTALK 2-Way Radio will give you years
of service if cared for properly.
Here are some suggestions:
Caring for Your MicroTalk Radio
Caring for Your
microTALK
Radio
Note
Modifyingortampering
withtheradio’sinternal
componentscancause
malfunctionandwill
invalidatethewarranty.
If yourradio isnot performing
asitshould,pleasecall Cobra
at773.889.3087. Donotreturn
theunittotheretailer.
Handle unit gently. Keep away
fromdust.
FRS305 MANUAL.qx 12/5/00 9:57 AM Page 38