Cobra 29LTDDELE Operating instructions

How to Use Your
Cobra 29 LTD DE LE
Contents
Features..................................................................................................1
The CB Story.........................................................................................A1
FCC Regulations
FCC Warnings
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators.......................................................................A2
Our Thanks to You .............................................................................A3
Customer Support
Installation
Location .............................................................................................2
Mounting and Connection .........................................................2
Antennas
CB Antenna.......................................................................................6
Marine Installation .........................................................................6
Ignition Noise Interference ..........................................................7
Operating Your 29 LTD DE LE
Turning On Your CB........................................................................8
Setting Channel Selector .............................................................9
Calibrate For SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)..............................10
To Receive..........................................................................................13
Selecting a Channel.......................................................................14
S-Meter ...............................................................................................14
NB-ANL/ANL/Off (Noise Blanker/Automatic.........................15
Noise Limiter Switch)
Bright/Dim Switch..........................................................................16
RF Gain Control................................................................................17
Setting Delta-Tune .........................................................................18
Setting Squelch ...............................................................................18
To Transmit........................................................................................20
Setting Dynamike...........................................................................20
Transmit..............................................................................................21
RF Meter.............................................................................................22
External Speaker .............................................................................23
PA (Public Address) ........................................................................24
Home And Office Set-Up .............................................................26
Temporary Mobile Set-Up ...........................................................27
How Your CB Can Serve You..........................................................28
A Few Rules You Should Know ..................................................28
Channel 9 Emergency Messages..............................................28
CB 10 Codes......................................................................................30
Frequency Ranges.............................................................................32
29 LTD DE LE Specifications .........................................................33
Warranty Information .....................................................................34
Optional Accessories .................................................................35-36
Order Form ...........................................................................................37
If You Think You Need Service...................................Back Cover
Features of This Product
•40 CB Radio Channels
•Heavy-Duty Dynamic
Microphone
•Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output
•SWR Calibration Meter
•Instant Channel 9
•4-Pin Front Mount Microphone
Connector
•Delta -Tune
•Switchable Automatic Noise
Limiter & Noise Blanker
•Adjustable Dynamike Boost
•9Ft.Mic Cord
•RF Gain
1

Installation
Location
2
Mounting and
Connection
Mounting and Connection
Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in
the exact desired location. If there is no
interference, remove the bracket and use it as
a template to mark the location for the
mounting screws.
Location
Plan location of transceiver and microphone
bracket before starting the installation.
Select a location that is convenient for operation,
yet does not interfere with the driver or passenger.
The transceiver is usually mounted to the
underside of the dash with the microphone
bracket beside it.
Note
The transceiver is held in
the universal mounting bracket
by two thumbscrews which
allow for adjustment at a
convenient angle.
The bracket includes two
self-tapping screws and star
washers.The mounting must be
mechanically strong,
conveniently located.
Drill the holes and secure the bracket.
2
1

Installation
3
continued
Connect the antenna cable plug to the
receptacle marked “ANT” on the back of
the unit.
3

Installation
4
Note
Connecting to an accessory fuse
prevents the unit from being left
on accidentally, and also
permits operating the unit
without running the engine.
Note
In positive ground vehicles the
red wire goes to the chassis and
the black wire is connected to
the ignition switch.
Note
Before installing the CB radio,
visually check the vehicle’s
battery connection to
determine which terminal,
positive or negative, is
grounded (positive is the
larger of the two) to the
engine block (or chassis). A
negatively grounded vehicle
has its negative lead
grounded to the chassis.
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
convenient location with a good electrical
contact (remove paint) may be used.
4
5

Installation
5
Plug power cable into back of unit marked
“Power”.Be sure to observe polarity markings.
Mount the microphone
bracket on either side of
the unit (driver’s left)
using two screws
supplied. Bracket should
be placed under the dash
so microphone is readily
accessible.
6
7
Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to
receptacle, on the front of unit and install unit
on bracket securely.
8
SIG 1 3 5 7 9 +30dB
23 CAL
RF
SWR
RF

Antennas
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
maximum power output. Cobra loaded type
antenna models are highly recommended for
most installations. Consult your Cobra dealer for
further details, or call 773.889.3087 and speak to
a Cobra representative.
Marine Installation
The transceiver will not operate at maximum
efficiency 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.
CB Antenna
Note
For optimum performance in
passenger cars the ideal
antenna location is on the
center of the roof. Second
choice is on the
center of the trunk.
Note
Because many newer trucks
feature fiberglass door skins, the
outside mirror must be
grounded to the chassis via a
ground strap when antenna is
mounted on the mirror bracket.
Note
3-way Combination
Antennas are also available
which allow operation of all
three bands (AM-FM & CB),
using a single antenna.
However, this type of antenna
usually results in less than
normal transmit and receive
range when compared to a
standard-type “Single Band” CB
antenna. Call 773-889-3087 for
further information.
6
1A standard antenna connector is provided
on the transceiver for easy connection.

Ignition Noise Interference
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
background 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 significantly discharge the vehicle’s battery.
Even though the Cobra 29 LTD DE LE has an
automatic noise limiter, in some installations
ignition interference may be high enough to
make good communications impossible. Many
possibilities 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.
7

The CB/PA button should be in the
CB position.
Operation
Turning On
8
Turning On
Make sure the power cord, antenna and
microphone are connected to their proper
connectors before starting.
2
1
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to
a normal listening level.

Operation
9
Setting Channel
Selector
Setting Channel Selector
Select one of forty channels and adjust
volume. The selected channel is indicated by
the LED readout directly above the channel
selector knob
1

Operation
Calibrate For
SWR (Standing
Wave Ratio)
10
Note
Antenna Indicator LED
will illuminate when TX if
SWR is high.
Switch to the CAL position.
2
1
Calibrate for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)
SWR calibration is done to properly adjust the
length of the antenna and to monitor the quality
of the coaxial cable and all RF connections.
This calibration is critical in order to achieve
optimum performance.
Select channel 20.

Operation
11
Note
Calibration must be made in an
open area (never in a garage).
Vehicle doors must be closed.
No one should be standing near
the antenna. (See your antenna
directions for more complete
information).
continued
Push and hold mic button.
3
While holding mic
button adjust the
SWR CAL knob so the
meter needle swings
to the CAL ▼mark on
the meter (located on the right).
4

Operation
12
Note
The reading will be slightly
higher on Channels 1 and 40
compared to Channel 20.
Note
When switched to SWR position
the meter needle should ideally
be as far to the left as possible.
Anything over 3 is not
acceptable.The antenna
indicator will light. A slight
antenna height adjustment
(higher or lower) may be
required. Repeat relcalibration
steps.
Repeat the same steps two through five
on Channel 1 and 40.This will check SWR for
all channels.
6
While still holding down the mic button, set
the S/RF SWR CAL switch to the SWR position,
to read the SWR reading.
5

Operation
13
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise
the green RX/TX LED will be illuminated.
To Receive
1
To Receive

The S/FR-SWR-CAL switch must be in the
S/RF position to read the meter.
Operation
14
1
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

Operation
15
NB-ANL/ANL/
OFF (Noise
Blanker/
Automatic
Noise Limiter)
Switch
Note
The RF noise blanker is very
effective in reducing repetitive
noises such as ignition
interference.
When switched to ANL the Automatic Noise
Limiter is activated. This helps reduce noise
created by the vehicle’s electronics.
When switched to NB/ANL position the RF
Noise Blanker is also activated, providing
increased noise filtration.
When switched to OFF position all noise
filtration will be turned off.
NB-ANL/ANL/OFF (Noise
Blanker/Automatic Noise Limiter) Switch
1

Operation
16
Bright/Dim
Switch
Bright/Dim Switch
Switch to BRT or DIM to control brightness
of the channel indicator and multi-function
meter for day or nighttime driving.
1

Operation
17
RF Gain Control
RF Gain Control
The RF Gain is used to optimize reception in
strong or weak signal areas.
Note
The RF Gain is used to optimize
reception in weak signal areas.
Rotate the RF Gain knob counterclockwise
to reduce gain in strong signal areas. In weak
signal areas turn clockwise to increase gain.
1

Full clockwise rotation closes the gate
allowing only very strong signals to enter.
Setting Delta-Tune
Delta-Tune functions as a “fine tune” control
enabling you to capture a more readable signal,
as well as eliminate adjacent channel interference.
Setting Squelch
Squelch is the “control gate” for incoming signals.
Setting
Delta-Tune
18
Operation
1
1
Rotate Delta-Tune knob to the center
position for optimum tuning.
Gate closed
Setting Squelch

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.
19
Operation
2
3
Gate open
Gate set to Desired
Squelch Setting (DSS)

Setting Dynamike
This controls the microphone sensitivity
(outgoing audio level).
To Transmit
To Transmit
20
Setting
Dynamike
Caution!
Be sure the antenna is properly
connected to the radio before
transmitting. Prolonged
transmitting without an
antenna, or a poorly matched
antenna, could cause damage
to the transmitter.
Be sure to read the F.C.C. Rules
and Regulations included with
this unit before transmitting.
Operation
1
Select desired channel.
1
Initially, set fully clockwise so that
maximum voice volume is available. Dynamike
may have to be reduced in some conditions.