Cobra MicroTalk 2 User manual

How to Use Your Cobra
MicroTalk 2-Way Radio
1
Featuresof This Product
• Two-waystatic-free
radiowithuptoa
2milerange
• DigitalAM/FM
StereoTuner
• AM/FMMemory
• 14channels
• SuperFlex™antenna
• Holsterbeltclip
• Rogerbeep
confirmationtone
• BacklitLCD
• StereoHeadphones
• Speaker/Microphone/
Headphonejack
Contents
Features......................................................................................................1
The FRS Story........................................................................................A1
FCC Warnings
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators.........................................................................A2
Our Thanks to You...............................................................................A3
Customer Support...........................................................................A3
Operating your microTALK
Battery Installation..............................................................................2
Turning On.............................................................................................3
Illuminating the Display ...................................................................3
Auto Squelch........................................................................................4
Maximum Range Extender/Auto Monitor.................................4
Select Channel/Station.....................................................................5
Mode Key ...............................................................................................6
Battery Low;Auto Battery Save......................................................7
CallingTo Another Party...................................................................8
Talking To Another Party..................................................................9
Talk Confirmation Tone/Standby Mode...................................10
microTALK Range..............................................................................11
Advanced Features.............................................................................11
Storing a Radio Station...................................................................12
Retrieving a Radio Station.............................................................13
Lock Function.....................................................................................14
Making Life Easier And Safer........................................................15
Holster-Belt Clip/Desk Stand........................................................16
External Microphone/Speaker Jack...........................................17
Caring for Your microTALK..............................................................18
Frequency Ranges...............................................................................19
microTALK Specifications................................................................19
LimitedTwoYear Warranty.............................................................21
Optional Accessories..........................................................................22
Order Form..............................................................................................23
If You Think You Need Service......................................Back Cover
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:49 PM Page 1

1Pulllock tab down
to remove battery
cover.
2Insert four“AAA”
batteries.Position
batteries according
to polaritymarkings.
Operation
2
Note
Batteries notincludedwith
microTALK2-wayradio.Always
usehighqualityalkalineor
NiMHbatteries.
OnlytheCobraNiMHbat-
terypack(Part#FA-BP)can
berecharged.
Incorrectpositioningcan
damageboththebatteries
andtheunit.
Note
Whenbatteriesarelow
the indicator
willblink.
Install Batteries
Battery
Installation
Operation
3
Note
You willbeable toreceivecom-
municationsonlywhenthe
unit is in the FRS,AM/FRS and
FM/FRSmodes.
Turning On Your microTALK
Turning
On Your
microTALK
1Pushandhold the POWER button for
3 seconds.An audible tone will indicate the
unit is on. (The unit will return to the mode
last selected before it was shut off).
Illuminating the Display
Illuminating
the Display
1Pushandrelease LIGHT/MAX RANGE
button to illuminate display for ten seconds.
PUSH &
HOLD
PUSH &
RELEASE
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 2

4
Operation
Note
Tolearnmoreaboutthe range
ofyourmicroTALK,
seepage11.
Range isdependenton
batteryconditionand
geographicterritory.
Auto Squelch
Maximum
Range
Extender
Maximum Range Extender
Auto squelch can betemporarily removed to allow
all signals to enter (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.
1Pushandhold LIGHT/MAX RANGE
button to allow all signals to enter.
Auto Monitor
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 but-
ton:Press and hold the Maximum Range Extender
button for five seconds.To return to normal oper-
ation,momentarily press the Maximum Range
Extender button again or change channels.
5
Select Channel/Station
1Turnon the microTALK.
2Pressthe Mode button to choose between five
different modes:FRS,AM,AM/FRS,FM and
FM/FRS (a double beep will confirm each
selection).
3Once in a mode,selecta channel and/orstation
by movingthe channel button up ordown.
Select
Channel/
Station
Operation
PRESS
PUSH &
HOLD
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 4

Operation
6
Mode Key
Mode Key
The Mode key allows you to choose between five
different modes:FRS,AM,AM/FRS,FM and
FM/FRS.A double-beep will confirm each selec-
tion.(If the unit has been turned on for a while it
will be necessary to hold the Mode key for 5 sec-
onds in order to activate the selection process A
double-beep will be heard).
Press Mode key once to go to FRS mode and
select a channel by pressing channel button up
or down.Or,press Mode key again (within 5 sec-
onds) to go to AM mode.Select a station by
pressing the channel button up or down.
Or,press Mode key again (within 5 seconds) to
go to AM/FRS mode.This enables you to listen to
your favorite AM station while still being able to
transmit or receive incoming FRS transmissions.
Press it again (within 5 seconds) to go to FM
mode.Select a station by pressing the channel
button up or down.
Pressthe Mode key again (within 5 seconds) to
go to FM/FRS mode.This enables you to listen to
your favorite FM station while still being able to
transmit or receive incoming FRS transmissions.
Note
Playingthisunitprimarilyasa
radioseverelydiminishesthe
lifespanofthebatteries.
Note
Seepage12forProgramming
AM/FMStereoTunerChannel
MemoryLocations.
Youwillbeabletoreceivecom-
municationsonlywhentheunit
isin theFRS,AM/FRSand
FM/FRSmodes.
Operation
7
Battery Low
Note
When batterycapacityisat
the1/4levelitisrecommended
thatyoureplacealkalinebat-
teriesorrechargeyourNIMH
(NickelMetalHydride)battery
pack.
Onlythe Cobra NiMHbattery
(Part#FA-BP)pack can be
recharged.
Note
NiMHrechargeablebattery
Pack(item#FA-BP)anddesktop
batterycharger(item#FA-CR)
arenotincludedwiththis unit.
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 or
recharge NiMH battery pack.
Note
To changemodesafteronehas
beenselectedholdModebutton
until double -beepis heard.
Chooseanewonebypressing
Modebuttonuntildesiredselec-
tionisreached.
PRESS
Note
TheAutoBatterySaveCircuit
doesnoteffecttheunit’sability
toreceiveincomingtransmis-
sions.
Auto Battery Save
When in the FRS mode your FRS 115 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 and
will be shown in the display.
Auto Battery
Power Save
FLASHING
ICON
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 6

9
Operation
Note
Whilethe TALKbutton is
depressedyoucannot
receiveincomingcalls.
Note
YourmicroTALKradiomustbe
turnedontothesame FRS
channelasthepersonyou are
callinginordertocommuni-
cate.
Talking To
Another Party
Talking To Another Party
3Hold mic about
2 inches from
mouth.Speak in
a normal voice.
4After speaking,
release TALK
button and listen
for response.
1Pushandhold
TALK button. 2The
indicatorwill be
displayed.
Operation
8
Note
You canonlyreceive FRStrans-
missionswhileinoneof the
following 3 modes:FRS,
AM/FRSorFM/FRS.
Wheninanyoftheabove
modesyouwillreceiveincom-
ingtransmissionsautomatical-
ly.Oncetransmission ceases
theunitwillautomatically
revertbacktothepreviously
selectedradiostation.
Calling Another Party
To alert another party you wish to communicate
with them:
Turn on the microTALK 2-way radio.
Select any of the 14 channels by moving the
channel button up or down.
Pushandrelease call button.The icon will
remain on for 3 seconds.The unit you are calling
will hear a 2-second ring tone.
Wait for the party’s response or proceed to
“Talking to Another Party”on next page.
Calling
Another Party
PUSH &
HOLD
PUSH &
RELEASE
RELEASE
RELEASE
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 8

Advanced Features
microTALK Range
Your microTALK Radio has a range of up to 2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.
Under flat,open
conditions you
will experience
the microTALK’s
maximum range.
Range can be
reduced by
buildings and
foliage in the
path of the signal.
Range will be
further reduced by
dense foliage and
hilly terrain.
Note
To achievemaximum
rangetheautosquelch
canbeoverridden.Referto
MaximumRangeExtendersec-
tiononpage5.
microTALK
Range
10
Operation
Roger Beep
Confirmation
Tone
Standby Mode
Note
Whilethe TALKbutton
isdepressedyoucannot
receiveincomingcalls.
Standby Mode
When finished talking:
1Release TALK button to receive incoming
transmissions.
Your microTALK is always in the standby mode
when the TALK button is not depressed (while
in the FRS,AM/FRS,FM/FRS mode).
2Adjust volume by pushing
DOWN/UP buttons.
Your listener will hear an
audible tone when you
release the TALK button.
This alerts the other party
that you are finished talking
andit’s OK for them to begin
talking.
Roger Beep Confirmation Tone
11
Operation
RELEASE
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 10

Advanced Features
13
To set second memory station,tune to station,
pressMode button briefly,press Channel
up/down button until MEM 2 is reached,briefly
press Lock button (a double-beep will confirm
selection). Repeat above steps to store additional
stations.
Retrieving a Radio Station
To retrieve your favorite station press the Mode
button twice.The MEM icon will flash.
Press the Channel up/down key until the desired
station in the memory bank has been reached.
Repeat above to go to another station.
To return to manual tuning press the Mode but-
ton once and press the Channel up/down button
to reach the desired station.
To change to another mode hold the Mode but-
ton in for 5 seconds until you hear a double-beep
and then continue to press until the desired
mode has been reached.
Retrieving a
Radio Station
Advanced Features
12
Note
Toquicklyadvancestations
holdtheChannelbuttondown
untiladouble-beepisheard.
Thestationswillthenscroll
rapidly.
Note
Theheadphonecordactsasa
radio antenna;try to keep cord
extended inasimpleloopfor
bestreception.
Digital AM/FM Stereo
Your microTALK also functions as an AM/FM
stereo tuner.It provides complete coverage of all
AM and FM bands,in stereo,where available.The
stations are digitally tuned for improved ease of
selection and clarity of signal.
Selecting/Storing a Radio Station
Your microTALK has a ten station memory (5 AM,
5 FM ) for storing your favorite stations.
PressMode button to select AM or FM.
PushChannel up/down button until desired
channel is reached.
PressMode button once.MEM 1 will flash. Briefly
press Lock button.A double-beep will indicate
selection has been entered.
Digital
AM/FM Stereo
PRESS
PUSH
UP/DOWN
PRESS
BRIEFLY
PRESS
PUSH
UP/DOWN
Selecting/
Storing a
Radio Station
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 12

15
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. Keeping track of the kids in a
shopping mall.
Communicating
between basement
and first,second or
third floor.
Talking to a
neighbor or a
friend.
14
Advanced Features
Note
Callbutton,RangeExtender
buttonandPTTbutton donot
lockand are fully
operationalwhile theunitis
locked.
Theunitcannotlockwhile in
functionmode.
Lock Function
(in FRS Mode)
Lock Function (in FRS Mode)
The purpose of the LOCK function is to lock most
buttons to avoid accidental operation.
To engage the LOCK function:
1Push and release button. icon flashes.
most buttons are locked.
2To“unlock”pushandrelease button
again.Buttons are“unlocked”and icon
disappears.
PUSH &
RELEASE
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 14

17
External Headphone Jack
Note
Plugginginheadphonedefeats
mainspeaker.
ExternalHeadphoneJack
An external headphone jack is included with your
microtalk 2-way radio.
To attach the headphone jack:
1Insert plug into the Headphone jack.
External
Headphone
Jack
ExternalMicrophone/Speaker
Your microTALK 2-Way Radio can be fitted with
an external microphone/speaker,(not included)
freeing your hands for other tasks.
To attach an external microphone/speaker:
1Insert plug into the Spkr/Mic jack.
16
Checking on traveling
companions in
another car.
Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.
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.
1. Desk Stand 2. Belt Clip
Holster-
Belt Clip and
Desk Stand
Making Life Easier and Safer
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 16

I.GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
A.FREQUENCIES
CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT
CH 1: 462.5625MHz CH 8: 467.5625MHz
CH2: 462.5875MHz CH 9: 467.5875MHz
CH 3: 462.6125MHz CH 10: 467.6125MHz
CH 4: 462.6375MHz CH 11: 467.6375MHz
CH 5: 462.6625MHz CH 12: 467.6625MHz
CH 6: 462.6875MHz CH 13: 467.6875MHz
CH 7: 462.7125MHz CH 14: 467.7125MHz
C.RECEIVER
UNIT NOMINAL
1. SENSITIVITY
FOR 12 DB SINAD dBm -119
FOR CALL SIG.DETECTION dB m -121
2. MAX.AUDIO OUTPUT @10% THD mW 150
3. MAX.S/N RATIO @ 1mV RF INPUT dB 45
4. SQUELCH
a) SENSITIVITY dB m -121
19
microTALK Specifications
Caring for Your Radio
19
Never place the
unit in water or in
a moist place.
Avoid exposure
to extreme
temperatures.
Caring for Your microTALK Radio
The microTALK 2Way Radio will give you years
of service if cared for properly.
Here are some suggestions:
Caring
for Your
microTALK
Radio
Note
Modifyingortampering
withtheradio’sinternal
componentscancause
malfunctionandwill
invalidatethewarranty.
If yourradiois notperforming
asitshould,please callCobra
at773.889.3087.
Donotreturntheunit to
theretailer.
Handle unit gently. Keep away
from dust.
18
Caring for your Radio
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 18

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its
COBRA FRS Radios, and the component parts thereof, will
be free of defects in workmanship and materials for period
of two (2) years from the date of first consumer purchase.
This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer
purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within
the U.S.A.
COBRA will,without charge,repair or replace, at its option,
defective FRS radios, products or component parts upon
delivery to the COBRA factory Service Department,accom-
panied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase,
such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship
the product for warranty service,but the return charges
will be at Cobra's expense,if the product is repaired or
replaced under warranty.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply;1) to any
product damaged by accident;2) in the event of misuse or
abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alter-
ations or repairs;3) if the serial number has been altered,
defaced or removed;4) if the owner of the product resides
outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
COBRA shall not be liable for any incidental, conse-
quential or other damages;including, without limita-
CobraElectronics
Corporation
6500WestCortland Street
Chicago,Illinois 60707
21
Limited Two Year Warranty
20
b) ATTACK TIME mS 120
c) CLOSING TIME mS 200
5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESP.
@ 300 HZ dB -15
@ 2500 HZ dB -10
6. SIGNAL DISPLACEMENT BW +/-KHZ 5
7. ADJACENT CH.REJECTION dB 60
8. INTERMODULATION REJECTION dB 65
9. SPURIOUS RESPONSE REJECTION dB 65
D.TRANSMITTER
UNIT NOMINAL
1. EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER mW 500
2. CARRIER FREQ.STABILIT Y Hz 200
3. MODULATION LIMITING KHz 2.5
4. CARRIER ATTACK TIME mS 30
5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESPONSE
@ 300 HZ dB -10
@ 2500 HZ dB 4
6. AUDIO DISTORTION % 3
7. HUM NOISE dB 38
8. TRANSIENT FREQ.BEHAVIOR
a) TX ON mS 30
b)TX OFF mS 5
E. POWER SUPPLY
1. BATTERY LIFE (1:1:18 RATIO) HR 24
2. BATTERY V 4.2 - 6.0
microTALK Specifications
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 20

2Port Desktop Charger
Charges twomicroTALK radios
ortwoNiMHbatterypacks.
FA-CR $19.95
23
Accessory Order Form
Please print clearly
Name
Address (No P.O. Box)
City State
Zip
Telephone ( )
Credit Card No. Exp.Date
Customer Signature
Circle One: Visa MasterCard Discover
Allow7–10daysfordelivery.Offer valid in Continental U.S.only.
Forcredit card orders fillout order
formand fax to: 1.773.622.2269
orcall 1.773.889.3087
(Press1 from the mainmenu)
8:00am - 6:00 pm,M-F, CST.
Makecheckor moneyorder(no
stamps)payable to:
CobraElectronics
AccessoriesDept.
6500WestCortland St.Chicago,IL
60707
$25.00andunder $4.75
$25.01- $40.00 $6.95
$40.01-$80.00 $9.25
$80.01-$120.00 $10.25
$120.01- $160.00 $11.75
$160.01andup $14.50
Amount Shipping/
of Order Handling
Shipping&Handling
For AK,HI and PR please
addan additional $15.00
forUPS shipments.
Subtotal
(Tax if applicable)
Shipping/handling
Total
Tax Table
Illinois residents add 7%
Cook Co.residents add .75% (7.75% total)
Chicago residents add 1% (8.75% total)
Indiana residents add 5%
Michigan residents add 4 %
Ohio residents add 6%
Wisconsin residents add 5%
Prices subject to change without notice.
FA-HR1 ReplacementHolster $4.95
MA-VOX VoxHeadset Mic $49.95
MA-EBM EarBud Mic with PTT $29.95
MA-SM LapelSpeaker/ Microphone $24.95
FA-BP Battery $29.95
FA-CR Charger $19.95
Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount
NiMHRechargeable
BatteryPack
HighperformanceNickel
MetalHydridebatterypackfor
multiplecharging.
FA-BP $29.95
22
VoxHeadset Mic
VOX(VoiceOperated
Transmitter)headsetand
microphoneallows
hands-freeoperation.
MA-VOX $49.95
You Can Find These Fine Accessories AtYour Local Cobra Dealer
If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra.
Order by phone
Call 1.773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F CST.)
Order by mail or fax
Please fill out order form on next page,and mail/fax directly to Cobra.
Order over the Web
www.cobraelectronics.com
EarBudMic
withPTT
Compactearbudandmicro-
phonewithPush-to-Talkswitch.
MA-EBM $29.95
LapelSpeaker/
Microphone
Remotemicrophone/speaker
withPush-to-Talkswitch.
MA-SM $24.95
Replacement
Holster
FA-HR1 $4.95
Optional Accessories
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 22

2Way Radio
Operating Instructions for your
Nothing comes close to a Cobra™
Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60707
Cobra Electronics Corp.© 2000
Printed in China
Part No. 480-115-P-001
Fortechnicalassistance,pleasecallourAutomatedHelpDeskwhichcanassist
youbyansweringthemostfrequentlyaskedquestionsaboutCobraproducts.
[phone]
24hours aday,7 daysa week.
A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through this same number
8:00 am - 6:00 pm,Monday through Friday,CST.
Technicalassistanceis also availableon-line in the FrequentlyAsked Questions(FAQ)section at
www.cobraelectronics.comor by e-mail to [e-mail]
If you think you need service call 1.773.889.3087
“Ifyourproduct shouldrequire factory service please call Cobra first before sending your
unitin.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 follow-
ing in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair include some form of proof-of-purchase,such as a mechanical reproduction
or carbon of 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.
If You ThinkYou Need Service
FRS 115
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 24

The Family Radio Service Story
A1
1
2
The Family Radio 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 FRS 115 is a
great way for friends or family to increase their
fun–and safety–by staying intouch while on thego.
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
has created 14 license free frequency bands,
or channels,called Family Radio Service (FRS)
frequencies. These channels are in the UHF
(Ultra High Frequency) band which means great
penetration through buildings,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.
Included with your microTALK
1. Holster/Belt Clip/Desk Stand
2. Stereo Headphones
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 26

Controls and Indicators
A2
6
7
911
10
3
5
12
8
4
1
2
911
10
12
13
14
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra FRS 115
2-way Radio. Properly used,this Cobra product
will give you many years of reliable service.
Customer Support
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
Liveoperatorsareavailable
M-F8:00am-6:00pmCSTat:
773.889.3087
AutomatedTechnicalAssistance
available24hoursaday,seven
daysaweek.E-mailquestionsto:
[e-mail]
CobraontheWorldWideWeb:
FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)
canbefoundon-lineat:
www.cobraelectronics.com
13
1. Antenna
2. Microphone/Speaker/
HeadphoneJack
3. On/Off PowerButton
4. LCDDisplayPanel
5. Light/MaxRangeButton
6. Down/UpVolumeControl
7. Speaker
8. BatteryCompartment
9. TalkButton
10. Call Button
11. ChannelSelect Button
12. BatteryCharge
Pads
13. Mode Key
14. Key Lock
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 27

The Cobra line of quality products
also includes:
• CB Radios
• High Gear Accessories
• Radar Detectors
• Safety Alert™
TrafficWarning Systems
Nothing comes close to a Cobra™
FRS_115(3979).v2NEW 12/5/00 1:50 PM Page 29