Cobra Micro Talk 3 User manual

The Family Radio Service Story
A1
TheFamilyRadio Service Story
Ever wish you could talk to someone who wasn’t
within earshot? Like contacting ski partners back
at the lodge? Or letting a friend know how to find
you in a busy mall? Cobra’s MicroTalk 3 is a great
way for friends or family to increase their fun–and
safety–bystaying in touch while on the go.
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
has created 14 license free frequency bands,
or channels, called Family Radio Service (FRS)
frequencies. All of these 14 channels are easily
accessed on your Cobra FRS radio. These chan-
nels are in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band
which means great penetration through build-
ings,thick forests, hills, and other dense structures.
They are also FM (Frequency Modulation) signals
which means crystal clear reception even in
crowded noisy environments.
FCCWarnings
Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular
diodes or other parts of a unique nature,with
parts other than those recommended by Cobra,
may cause a violation of the technical regulations
of part 95 of the FCC Rules, or violation of Type
Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules.
Includedwith your MicroTalk3
1. Removable Belt Clip
2. Wrist Strap
Family Radio Service
2WayRadio
Operating Instructions for your
Cobra MicroTalk 3
“Ingenious Products for Easier Communication.”
Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL60707
Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1998
Printed in Thailand
Part No. 480-280-P-001
2
1
Fortechnicalassistance,pleasecallourAutomatedHelpDeskwhichcanassist
youbyansweringthemostfrequentlyaskedquestionsaboutCobraproducts.
[phone]
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through this same number
8:00 am - 8:00 pm,Monday through Friday, CST.
Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to [email protected]
If you think you need service call 1.773.889.3087
“Ifyour productshould requirefactory service please call Cobra first before sending your unit in.
This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair.”
You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory.It will be necessary to furnish the follo w-
ing in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair include some form of pr oof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction
or carbon or a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit. Include a typed or clearly print name
and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4. Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or First
Class Mail: to avoid loss in transit to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation,6500
W.Cortland St., Chicago,IL 60707.
6. If the unit is in warranty,upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or exchanged
depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us for
status. If the unit is out of warranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the
repair charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions, please call 1.773.889.3087 for
assistance.
IfYouThinkYouNeedService
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 1

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra MicroTalk 3
2-way Radio. Properly used, this Cobra product
will give you many years of reliable service.
CustomerSupport
Should you encounter any problems with the
product or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner’s manual. If, after
referring to the manual, you still need help,
call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.
Our Thanks to You
A3
CobraCustomerService
Liveoperatorsare available
M-F8:00am -8:00pm CST
at: 773.889.3087
AutomatedTechnical
Assistanceavailable24 hours
aday,sevendaysaweek.
E-mailquestionsto:
[email protected]
CobraontheWorldWideWeb:
FrequentlyAsked Questions
(FAQ)canbe foundon-line
at: www.cobraelec.com
Controls and Indicators
A2
13
12
814
15
16
1
7
9
10
11
12
54
3
6
1. RetractableAntenna
2. BeltClip
3. On/OffVolumeControl
4. MicrophoneJack
5. SpeakerJack
6. BatteryChargePads
7. LockButton
8. LCDDisplay
9. EnterButton
10. FunctionButton
11. CallButton
12. ChannelSelectButtons
13. Microphone
14. MaximumRange
ExtenderButton
15. PTT(PushToTalk)Key
16. BatteryChamber
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 4

How to Use Your Cobra
MicroTalk 2-Way Radio
1
FeaturesofThisProduct
• UHFFMFrequencies
• NoLicenseRequired
• NoAirTimeFees
• Upto2 milerange
• 14MainChannels
• 38CTCSSSubchannels
• LCDFunction Display
• PrivateCallVoiceScramble
• TalkConfirmationTone
• Call/RingButton
• RechargingPads
• RetractableAntenna
• AutoBatterySaverCircuity
• AutoSquelch
• 10MemoryLocations
• FullChannel/CTCSS Scan
• LockKey
• Ring/VibrateNotification
• WristStrap/BeltClip
• WaterResistant
Contents
Features.....................................................................................1
TheFRSStory...........................................................................A1
FCCWarnings
Included Accessories
Controls&Indicators............................................................A2
OurThankstoYou.................................................................A3
Customer Support .............................................................A3
OperatingyourMicroTalk3
Battery Installation............................................................2
LCD Display...........................................................................4
Turning On............................................................................5
Auto Battery Power Saver...............................................5
Select Main Channel (1-14)............................................6
Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38)................................7
Battery Low ..........................................................................9
Calling Another Party .......................................................10
Talking To Another Party.................................................12
Talk Confirmation Tone....................................................14
Listening For Another Party ...........................................14
Auto Squelch........................................................................15
Maximum Range Extender..............................................15
MicroTalk 3 Range..............................................................16
MakingLifeEasierAndSafer............................................17
External Microphone/Speaker Jack...............................19
AdvancedFeatures...............................................................20
Programming Memory Locations................................22
Using Memory Locations................................................26
Scan Function......................................................................28
Private Call (Voice Scramble).........................................32
Ringer/Vibrate Modes......................................................34
Tone Settings.......................................................................38
Lock Function......................................................................40
FrequencyRanges.................................................................41
CaringforYour MicroTalk 3...............................................42
MicroTalk3Specifications.................................................44
LimitedTwoYear Warranty................................................46
OptionalAccessories............................................................47
OrderForm...............................................................................48
IfYou ThinkYou Need Service......................Back Cover
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 7

Pulllock tab down
and lift door up
(towards you) to
remove battery
cover.
Insert four“AAA”
batteries.Position
batteries according
topolaritymarkings.
Remove belt clip by (A.) pulling tab out and
(B.) Sliding belt clip up and off unit.
Operation
3
Operation
2
Note
Batteriesnotincluded with
MicroTalk32-wayradio. Note
Alwaysusehigh quality
alkalineorNiMH batteries.
Incorrectpositioningcan
damageboththe batteries
andtheunit.
Only theCobraNiMH
battery(Part#FA-BP)
packcanberecharged.
SeeAccessorieson page47.
Chargeportsfor recharging
NiMH(NickelMetal Hydride)
batterypackare locatedon
backofunit.
Note
Whenbatteriesare lowor
needchargingthe
BATTLOWindicatorwill
blink.Replace alkaline
batteriesorrecharge NiMH
batterypack.
InstallBatteries
Battery
Installation
Clearantenna.
1
2
3 4
A. B.
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 8

TurningOnYour MicroTalk
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
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
Whenevertheunit isonyou
canreceivecommunications.
Turning
OnYour
MicroTalk 3
Operation
4
LCDDisplay
LCD Display
Note
TheAutoBattery SaveCircuit
doesnoteffect theunit’s
abilitytoreceive incoming
transmissions.
AutoBattery PowerSaver
Your MicroTalk 3 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
PWR SAVER icon will flash.
Auto Battery
Power Saver
Operational Mode
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 10

Select main channel by pushing and releasing
buttons.
Operation
7
Note
Unitsmustbe onsame
channelandsubchannels to
communicate.
Note
Channels8-12generally are
lessusedand givebetter
resultsfor communications
inmostareas.
Note
Pushand holdthe
buttonsforfast channel
advance.
Select Main
Channel
Operation
6
SelectMain Channel (1-14)
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
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 pushingandreleasing
buttons.
2
1
Note
Ifyou pushandhold the
button,the LCD display will
cyclethrough thedifferent
functions.
Note
Toreturn tooperational
modeandnot saveyourlast
settingpushand release
button.
Note
CTCSS(CodedTone
ControlledSquelchSystem) is
anadvancedsubcoding
systemthatallows
segmentationofa main
channel.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
Pushandrelease button.Small numbers
flash next to channel display on LCD.
SelectCTCSS Subchannel (00-38)
The CTCSS Subchannel allows the user to utilize
a less used channel range (00-38) within a main
channel.
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
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
2
1
3
Channel
Channel
Channel
PTT
...
Function
Function
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 12

Operation
9
Operation
8
Selectsubcode number by pushingandreleasing
buttons.
When desired code is displayed push and
release button. If key stroke tone is on,
an audible tone will confirm your selection.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
4
5
BatteryLow
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
Whenbatterycapacity isat
the1/4levelit isrecom-
mendedthatyou replace
alkalinebatteriesor recharge
yourNiMH(NickelMetal
Hydride)battery pack.
OnlytheCobraNiMH
battery(Part#FA-BP)
packcanberecharged.
Note
NiMHrechargeablebattery
Pack(item#FA-BP)and2
portdesktopcharger
(item#FA-CH) arenot
includedwiththis unit.
SeeAccessoriessectionon
page47.
Battery Low
SelectCTCSS Subchannel(00-38)continued
Note
Pushand holdthe
buttonsforfast channel
advance.
Channel Channel
Enter
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 14

Turnon your MicroTalk 3 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.
Note
Boththecalling andreceiv-
ingunitsmust beonsame
channelandsubchannel for
thecallfunction towork.
Note
Yourincoming“Call”audio
ringinglevelis dependenton
yourunit’svolume setting.
Operation
11
Operation
10
Select desired channel by pushing and
releasing buttons.
3
4
Wait for the party’s response or proceed to
“Talking To Another Party”section on next
page.
5
1
Calling
Another
Party
CallingAnother Party
To alert another party that you wish to
communicate:
Channel
CallPushandrelease button.The indicator
icon will flash and the icon will remain on
for 3 seconds.The unit you are calling will hear
a 2 second ring tone.
Place antenna in full
upright position.
2
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 16

Operation
13
Note
WhilePTTbutton is
depressedyoucannot
receiveincomingcalls.
Note
Whenyourelease the
PTT button,the person you
aretalkingto willheara tone
indicatingthatit’soktotalk.
SeeTalk ConfirmationTone
sectiononpage 14.
Operation
12
TalkingToAnotherParty
To send your outgoing message:
Turnon your MicroTalk 3 2-way radio.
An audible“tone”will indicate the unit is on.
The LCD will go through a 3 second self test
and then go to operational mode.
Talking to
Another
Party
3
4
5 6
1
Place antenna in full
upright position.
2
Note
Bothunitsmust beonsame
channeltocommunicate.
PTT
...
PTT
...
The icon will appear.
Pushandhold button.
Hold mic about
2 inches from
mouth. Speak in
a normal voice.
Release button
and listen for
response.
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 18

Operation
15
Operation
14
Talk
Confirmation
Tone
ListeningFor Another Party
When finished talking:
Listening For
Another Party
Release button to receive incoming
transmissions.
Your MicroTalk 3 is always in listening mode when
the PTT button is not pressed and you are not in
function mode. See Advanced Features section
on page 20.
1
Note
WhilePTTbutton is
depressedyoucannot receive
incomingcommunications.
Your listener will hear an
audible tone when you
release the PTT button.
This alerts the other party
that you arefinished talking
and it’sOK for them to begin
talking.
TalkConfirmation Tone
Maximum Range Extender
Auto squelch can be temporarily removed
to allow all signals to enter by pressing the
button (Maximum Range Extender).
Note
Tolearn moreaboutthe
rangeof yourMicroTalk3,
seeMicroTalk3 Range
Sectiononpage16.
Rangeis dependenton
batteryconditionand
geographicterritory.
Auto Squelch
Maximum
Range
Extender
AutoSquelch
Your MicroTalk 3 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.
1Pushandhold the button for 1 second to
allow all signals to enter.
Listening
mode.
PTT
...
M
M
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 20

Making Life Easier and Safer
17
MicroTalk 3 Range
16
MicroTalk 3 2-WayRadio Can MakeLife
Easierand Safer
As you become familiar with your MicroTalk 3
Radio you will find many of your own uses for
the unit.
Some suggestions include:
MicroTalk 3
2-WayRadio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
1. Talking with fellow
hikers. 2. Keeping track of the kids in a
shopping mall.
MicroTalk3 Range
Your MicroTalk 3 Radio has a range of up to 2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.
Toachievemaximum
rangetheautosquelch
canbeoverridden.
Referto Maximum
RangeExtendersection
onpage15.
MicroTalk 3
Range
1. Under flat, open
conditions youwill
experience the
MicroTalk’s maxi-
mum range.
2. Rangecanbe
reduced by buildings
and foliage in the
path of thesignal.
3. Range will be
further reduced by
densefoliage and
hilly terrain.
continued
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 22

MicroTalk3 2-WayRadioCan Make Life
EasierandSafer continued
External Microphone/Speaker Jack
19
Making Life Easier and Safer
18
Note
Externalmicrophone/
speaker(item#FA-SM)isnot
includedwiththis unit. See
Accessoriessection onpage
47foravailableunits.
ExternalMicrophone/Speaker Jack
Your MicroTalk 3 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.
1
2
5. Checking on travel-
ing companions in
another car.
6. Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.
3. Communicating
between basement
and first, second or
third floor.
4. Talking to a
neighbor or a
friend.
MicroTalk 3
2-WayRadio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 24

Advanced Features
21
Advanced Features
20
AdvancedFeatures
Your MicroTalk 3 has many advanced features
not found on other 2-way radios.
These include:
• 10 Memory Storage Location and Recall
• Full Channel/Sub Channel Scan
• Private Call® (Voice Scramble)
• Ring/Vibrate Notification Modes
• Tone Indicator Settings
• Key Stroke Tone
• Talk ConfirmationTone
• Lock Key
Advanced
Features
Note
Whenusing orprogramming
functions,pushingand
releasingthe button or
the buttonwillsaveall
enteredinformation.
Note
Toexitoutoffunctionmode
andreturnto operational
modewithoutsavingentered
informationsimplypressthe
button.
Function
Enter
PTT
... Note
Ifyoupushand hold the
button,theMicroTalk3
willcyclethrough thediffer-
entfunctions.
If,after10seconds noselec-
tionismade, the unitwill
returnto operationalmode.
Function
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 26

Pushandrelease button again.
MAIN CHANNEL will flash and only the MEM
icon will remain flashing.
Pushandrelease button until MEM icon and
a memory location flashes.
Select memory location you wish to change by
pushingandreleasing buttons (Use
MEM 6 for this example).
3
5
Advanced Features
23
Note
Onceyouentermemory
modeyoucan talkandlisten
toanychannel youselect
afterprogrammingis
complete. SeeUsing Memory
Locationssection on
page26.
continued
Advanced Features
22
ProgrammingMemory Locations
Your MicroTalk 3 has 10 memory (0-9) locations
for storing your most frequently used channels.
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
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
2
1
4
Channel
Function
Function
Channel
Select desired main channel you wish to store
(1-14) by pushingandreleasing
buttons.(Use CHANNEL 12 for this example.)
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 28

Your MicroTalk 3 will stay in the subchannel
section until you:
Pushandhold button to set memory
location and stay in memory scan.
or...Pushandrelease button to return to
operational mode.
or...Pushandrelease button to proceed to
next function mode (Scan).
Advanced Features
25
Advanced Features
24
ProgrammingMemory Locations continued
Programming
Memory
Locations
Pushandrelease button which sets main
channel in memory and moves to subchannel
selection. The subchannel begins flashing.
The MEM icon will remain flashing.
6
7
Note
Pushand holdthe
buttonsforfast channel
advance.
Note
Youcan pushandhold the
buttontobegin talking
anytime.
Note
Ifyoupushandholdthe
button,theLCDdisplay will
cyclethroughthedifferent
functions.
A
B
C
Function
Channel
Channel
PTT
...
PTT
...
Enter
Function
Select desired subchannel you wish to store
(00-38) by pushing andreleasing
buttons.(Use SUBCHANNEL 38 for this
example.)
Function
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 30

Advanced Features
27
Advanced Features
26
Using
Memory
Locations
Select desired memory location you wish to
recall (0-9) by pushing and releasing
buttons.
2
Pushandhold 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.
3
4
Pushandrelease button.
To exit the Memory Mode and return to
Operational Mode:
5
Pushandrelease button until MEM icon
and a memory location flashes.
Memory Channel Recall/Talk
To recall a channel in memory:
1
Note
Iffunctionbutton ispushed
whilelistening/talking,
programmingwillbegin.
See Programming Memory
Locationson page.22.
Function
Channel
Enter
PTT
...
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 32

PTT
...
Channel
Channel
Advanced Features
29
Advanced Features
28
Note
TheMicroTalk3“zeros out”
thesubchannelsto allow
scanningofthe main
channels.
Scan Function
ScanFunction
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
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.
2
1
Pushandrelease buttons and the unit
will begin scanning the main channels.
Unit will continue to scan all main channels
and stop,if an incoming transmission is
detected.
3
4
Your MicroTalk 3 will pick it up for 10 seconds.
Within 10 seconds you can:
Pushandhold button and talk. Your
radio will return to operational mode on
that channel.
or...
Pushandrelease button to rescan the
main channel.
or...
Proceed to subchannel scan on next page.
A
B
C
continued
FunctionPushandrelease button until SCAN icon
and main channel flashes.
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 34

Advanced Features
31
Advanced Features
30
Scan Function continued
Scan Function
1
Toscan subchannels:
Pushand release button and
subchannel scanning begins and stops
when an incoming transmission is detected.
2
Pushandrelease button.
Toexit the Scan Mode and return to
OperationalMode:
1
A
B
Channel
Channel
PTT
...
Function
Enter
Function
Pushand release button and subchannel
and scan icon will flash.
Note
Ifyouwishtoproceedtothe
nextfunctionmode,push
andrelease button.
(Private CallVoice Scramble).
Your MicroTalk 3 will pick it up for 10 seconds.
Within 10 seconds you can:
Pushandhold button and talk.Your radio
willreturn to operational mode on that channel.
or...Pushandrelease button to rescan the
main channel.
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 36

Advanced Features
33
Note
Whenyoupush andholdthe
PTT button,the unit exits out
tooperationalmode.
If,after10seconds no
selectionismade,theunit
willreturnto operational
mode.
Advanced Features
32
Private Call (Voice Scramble)
Private Call ensures that no one can eavesdrop on
your conversation.
To engage the Private Call function:
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
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.
2
1
Private Call
(Voice Scramble)
4
Pushandrelease button. Unit will go to
operational mode or push function button to
proceed to next function.
4
Function
Enter
Channel
Pushandrelease buttons until ON icon is
visible.
Pushandrelease button until PRIVATE
icon flashes.
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 38

Advanced Features
35
Advanced Features
34
Ringer/VibrateModes
Your Microtalk 3 will signal you that there is an
incoming transmission with either a tone or a
vibration or both.To set for Ringer/Vibrate:
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
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
2
1
3
continued
Channel
Function
Pushandrelease button until icon
flashes.
Pushandrelease buttons until icon
appears for ringer mode.
FRS300.MANUAL.qx 10/2/98 12:39 PM Page 40