Cobra 25WXNWST Operating instructions

How to Use Your
Cobra 25 WX NW ST
Contents
Features...........................................................................................1
The CB Story..................................................................................A1
FCC Regulations
FCCWarnings
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators................................................................A2
OurThanks to You......................................................................A3
SoundTracker™
Customer Support
Installation
Location.......................................................................................2
Mounting and Connection...................................................2
Antennas
CB Antenna................................................................................6
Marine Installation...................................................................6
Ignition Noise Interference...................................................7
Operating Your 25 WX NW ST
Turning On Your CB.................................................................8
Setting Channel Selector.......................................................9
To Receive...................................................................................10
Selecting a Channel................................................................10
S-Meter.........................................................................................11
SoundTracker™System.........................................................12
Activating SoundTracker™..................................................13
NB,Off (Noise Blanker) Switch.............................................14
ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch.............................14
Dim Control................................................................................15
RF Gain Control.........................................................................15
Setting Squelch.........................................................................16
ToTransmit.................................................................................18
Transmit.......................................................................................18
RF Meter......................................................................................19
External Speaker.......................................................................19
PA (Public Address)..................................................................20
Weather Channels....................................................................23
Home And Office Set-Up.......................................................24
Temporary Mobile Set-Up.....................................................25
How Your CB Can Serve You...................................................26
A Few Rules You Should Know............................................26
Channel 9 Emergency Messages.......................................26
Weather Channel Messages.................................................27
CB 10 Codes...............................................................................28
Frequency Ranges......................................................................30
25 WX NW ST Specifications..................................................31
Warranty Information ..............................................................32
Optional Accessories..........................................................33-34
Order Form ....................................................................................35
If You ThinkYou Need Service .............................Back Cover
FeaturesofThis Product
• 40CBRadio Channels
• SoundTracker™System
• Heavy-DutyDynamic
Microphone
• Full4WattsAMRFPowerOutput
• InstantChannel19 and9
• FrontPanel4-PinMicrophone
Connector
• SwitchableNoiseBlanker
• AdjustableDynamikeBoost
• TactileControls
• 7WeatherChannels
• EmergencyWeatherAlert
• 9FtMic Cord
• IlluminatedFrontPanel
• DimmerControl
1
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN !!
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 1

InstallationInstallation
Location
32
Mounting and
Connection
Mounting and Connection
Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in
the exact desired location.If there is no inter-
ference,remove the bracket and use it as a
template to mark the location for the mount-
ing screws.
Location
Plan location of transceiver and microphone
bracket before starting the installation.
Select a location that is convenient for operation,
yet does not interferewith the driver or passenger.
The transceiver is usually mounted to the under-
side of the dash with the microphone bracket
beside it.
Note
Thetransceiveris heldinthe
universalmountingbracket by
twothumbscrews whichallow
foradjustmentat aconvenient
angle.
Thebracketincludes twoself-
tappingscrewsand starwash-
ers.Themounting mustbe
mechanicallystrong,conve-
nientlylocated.
continued
Drill the holes and secure the bracket.
2
1
Connect the antenna cable plug to the recep-
tacle marked“ANT” on the back of the unit.
3
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 2

InstallationInstallation
54
Note
Connectingtoan accessoryfuse
preventstheunit frombeingleft
onaccidentally,andalsoper-
mitsoperatingthe unitwithout
runningtheengine.
Note
Inpositiveground vehiclesthe
redwiregoes tothechassis and
theblackwire isconnectedto
theignitionswitch.
Note
Beforeinstalling the CBradio,
visuallycheck the vehicle’s
batteryconnection to deter-
mine which terminal, positive
ornegative,is grounded(pos-
itiveis the largerof thetwo)
to theengine block (orchas-
sis).A negatively grounded
vehiclehas its negativelead
groundedto the chassis.
Note
Whenconnected toanaccesso-
ryfuse,unitwill selftestthe
emergencyweatheralert auto-
maticallywhenignition is
turnedon.Turnsitselfon &off.
In a negative grounded vehicle, connect the
red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory
12 volt fuse.
Connect the black lead to the negative side of
the vehicle.This is usually the chassis.Any con-
venient location with a good electrical contact
(remove paint) may be used.
4
5
Plug power cable into back of unit marked
“Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.
Mount the microphone
bracket on the right side
of the unit (driver’s left)
using two screws sup-
plied.Bracket should be
placed under the dash
so microphone is readily
accessible.
6
7
Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to recepta-
cle on front of unit and Install unit in bracket
securely.
8
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 4

Ignition Noise InterferenceAntennas
Use of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is
normally limited by the presence of electrical
noise.The primary source of noise in automobiles
is from the alternator and ignition system.
Typically, when signal level is adequate, the back-
ground noise does not present a serious problem.
Also,when extremely low level signals are being
received, the transceiver may be operated with
the vehicle’s engine turned off.The unit requires
very little current and therefore will not signifi-
cantly discharge the vehicle’s battery.
Even though the Cobra 25 WX NW ST has an
automatic noise limiter, in some installations igni-
tion interference may be high enough to make
good communications impossible. Many possibili-
ties exist and variations between vehicles require
different solutions.Consult your COBRA dealer or
a 2-way radio technician for help in locating the
source of a severe noise.
CB Antenna
7
Note
Foroptimumperformancein
passengercarsthe idealanten-
nalocation isonthe centerof
theroof.Secondchoiceisonthe
centerofthe trunk.
Note
Becausemanynewertrucks
featurefiberglassdoor skins,the
outsidemirrormust beground-
edtothe chassisviaa ground
strap,iftheantennaismounted
onthemirror bracket.
Note
3-wayCombinationAntennas
arealsoavailablewhichallow
operationofall threebands
(AM-FM & CB),using a single
antenna.However,thistypeof
antennausuallyresults inless
thannormaltransmit and
receiverangewhencompared
toastandard-type“Single
Band”CBantenna.Call
773.889.3087forfurther infor-
mation.
6
CB Antenna
Since the maximum allowable power output of
the transmitter is limited by the FCC,the antenna
is critical in affecting transmission distance.Only a
properly matched antenna system will allow maxi-
mum power output. Cobra loaded type antenna
models are highly recommended for mostinstal-
lations.FormodelswithWeatherFeature(WX),a
Dual Band (Center Load/Base Load) antenna is
recommended.Consult your Cobra dealer for fur-
ther details,or call 773.889.3087 and speak to a
Cobra representative.
Marine Installation
The transceiver will not operate at maximum effi-
ciency in a boat without a ground plate, (unless it
has a steel hull). Before attempting installation ,
consult your dealer for information regarding an
adequate grounding system and prevention of
electrolysis between fittings in the hull and water.
1A standard antenna connector is provided
on the transceiver for easy connection.
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 6

The CB/ANL/PA button should be in the
CB/ANL position and CB/WX on CB position.
Operation
9
Operation
Turning On Setting Channel
Selector
8
Turning On
Make sure the power cord,antenna and micro-
phone are connected to their proper connectors
before starting.
Setting Channel Selector
2
1
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to
a normal listening level.
Select one of forty channels and adjust
volume.The selected channel is indicated by
the LED readout directly above the channel
selector knob
1
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 8

Rotate the On/OffVolume knob clockwise
the green RT/TX/WX LED will be illuminated.
Operation
11
Operation
10
S-Meter
S-Meter
Swings proportionately to strength of incoming
signal when receiving.
Switch to NOR to select desired channel.
1
Selecting A
Channel
Selecting A Channel
Note
Switchto 9(Emergency)or 19
(Information)forinstant access
tothesechannels.
To Receive
1
To Receive
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 10

OperationOperation
1312
Activating
SoundTracker
™
Pushandrelease the ST button.Red LED
is illuminated when SoundTracker™ is
turned on.
1
The SoundTrackerTM System
While previous systems only “blanket out”or limit
noise in higher sound frequencies, the revolution-
ary new SoundTrackerTM System actually reduces
noise while leaving the signal intact in the recep-
tion mode. In the transmission mode, it actually
strengthens the signal,providing you with a
significant reduction in noise on reception
and transmission.
Sound clarity is measured by the ratio
of the signal level to the noise level.
The higher the signal-to-noise ratio,
the better the sound.
How SoundTrackerTM Works
OnReception-“Cuts noisecomingin”
With a normal CB,distant signals fall below
the squelch level and are unintelligible.With a
SoundTrackerTM CB,the noise level is cut up to
90%,which increases the signal-to-noise ratio
and dramatically improves signal clarity.This also
allows you to significantly reduce the squelch
level,which greatly expands your listening range.
OnTransmission-“Strengthenssignalsgoingout”
A SoundTrackerTM CB strengthens the transmit
signal by more effectively using the available RF
power output of the CB.The result is improved
transmission signal clarity and an expanded
transmission range.
Note
SoundTracker™givesyou
clearer,cleanerreceptionto
improveCB communications
whileonthe air.
Activating SoundTracker™
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 12

When switched to NB position the RF Noise
Blanker is activated, providing increased noise
filtration.
When switched to OFF position Noise
Blanking Filtration will be turned off.
OperationOperation
1514
NB, OFF
(Noise Blanker)
Switch
Dim/Dyna
Control
Dim Control
Note
TheRFnoise blankerisvery
effectiveinreducing repetitive
noisessuchas ignitioninterfer-
ence.
NB,OFF (Noise Blanker) Switch
1
Note
TheDimcontrols thebrightness
of the front panel,signal strength
meterandchannel display.
Setting Dynamike
This controls the microphone sensitivity
(outgoing audio level).
Setting
Dynamike
1Initially,set fully clockwise so that maxi-
mum voice volume is available.Dynamike
may have to be reduced in some conditions.
Rotate the DIM knob clockwise for
maximum brightness;counter-clockwise
for minimum.
1
ANL (Automatic
Noise Limiter)
Switch
ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch
When switched to CB/ANL the Automatic
Noise Limiter is activated.This helps reduce
noise created by the vehicle’s electronics.
1
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 14

Full clockwise rotation closes the gate
allowing only very strong signals to enter.
Full counterclockwise rotation opens the
“gate”allowing all signals in.
To achieve the Desired Squelch Setting (DSS),
turn the Squelch control counterclockwise
until you hear noise. Now turn the control
clockwise just until the noise stops. This is the
DSS setting.
Setting Squelch
Squelch is the“control gate”for incoming signals.
1716
Operation Operation
2
1
3
Gateopen
Gateset to Desired
SquelchSetting(DSS)
Gateclosed
Setting Squelch
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 16

ToTransmit
19
To Transmit
Transmit
18
Caution!
Besurethe antennaisproperly
connectedto theradiobefore
transmitting.Prolongedtrans-
mitting without an antenna,or
apoorlymatchedantenna,
couldcausedamage tothe
transmitter.
Besureto readtheF.C.C.Rules
andRegulationsincluded with
thisunitbefore transmitting.
Operation Operation
Select desired channel.
1
Transmit
Pushand hold mic button to transmit.
Transmitter is now activated.When transmit-
ting,hold the microphone two inches from
your mouth and speak in a clear,normal voice.
Release to receive.
1
RF Meter
RF Meter
This meter swings proportionately to the RF
output (outgoing signal) while transmitting.
External Speaker
External Speaker
The external Speaker jack is used for remote
receiver monitoring.
Note
Theexternalspeakershould
have8-ohmimpedance andbe
ratedtohandle atleast4.0
watts.Whenthe externalspeak-
er is plugged in,the internal
speakerisautomatically discon-
nected.
Note
Cobraexternal speakersare
ratedat10watts.See
Accessoriespage39.
Connect an external speaker to the external
speaker jack on the rear panel.
1
25 WX NW ST Manual 3.3 6/15/99 1:10 PM Page 18