Cobra microTalk CXT420C User manual

A1
Making Life Easier and Safer
Owner’s Manual
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English
TWO-WAY RADIO MODEL
CXT420C Printed in China
Part No. 480-536-P
Version A
Introduction
Staying in touch with your family and friends is
convenient and easy when using your microTALK®
radio. Some of the many uses you will discover include:
Communicating with others while hiking, biking and working;
keeping track of family and friends at a crowded public event;
checking with travel companions in another car; talking with
neighbors; arranging meeting spots with others while
shopping at the mall.
Secure your microTALK
radio while on the go.
Carrying your microTALK radio with
you is easy when using the belt clip.
The belt clip easily attaches to your belt,
purse or backpack.
For A i tance in Canada or the U.S.A.
In this user’s manual, you should find all the information you need
to operate your microTALK®radio. If you require further assistance
after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following
customer assistance services:
Automated Help Desk
English. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week [phone] (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday to Friday
(except holidays) [phone], ext. 2-264 (phone).
Questions
Faxes can be received at [phone] (fax).
Technical Assistance
English and French. www.cobra.ca (on-line: Frequently Asked
Questions).
English and Spanish. [e-mail] (e-mail).
For A i tance Out ide Canada, the U.S.A. or in French
Contact Your Local Dealer
Belt Clip
Customer Assistance
©2009 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e F1

A3
Product Features
A2 English
Product Features
Introduction Introduction
•22 Channels
Seven shared
with FRS/GMRS,
seven FRS
only, eight
GMRS only
•121 rivacy Codes
(38 CTCSS codes/
83 DCS codes)
•10 Channel NOAA
All Hazards Radio
•Hands-Free
Operation (VOX)
•10 Channel Memory
•Signal Strength
Meter
•Scan
Channels, privacy
codes, memory
•Selectable
Hi•Low ower
In GMRS
•Backlit
LCD Display
•Button Lock
•Call Alert
10 selectable tones
•Speaker/
Microphone/
Charge Jack
•Roger Beep
Selectable on/off
•Battery/ ower Saver
•Keystroke Tones
Selectable on/off
•Auto Squelch
•Maximum Range
Extender
•Belt Clip
12
3
8
4
5
7
6
10
11
12
9
1. Antenna
2. External Speaker/
Microphone/Charge Jack
3. On/Off Volume Knob
4. Backlit LCD Display
5. Channel Up Button
6. Channel Down Button
7. Mode/Lock Button
8. Speaker/Microphone
9. Call Button
10. Light/Max Range Button
11. Talk Button
12. Enter/Hi-Low Power Button
13. Wrist Strap Connector
14. Belt Clip
15. Battery Compartment
16. Battery Door Latch
1. Signal Strength Meter Icon
2. Lock Icon
3. Keystroke Tones Icon
4. Roger Beep Icon
5. VOX Icon
6. NOAA All azards Radio
Icon
7. DCS/CTCSS Icons
8. Scan Icon
9. Memory Icon
10. Memory Location
Number
11. Privacy Code Numbers
12. i-Low Power Icons
13. Receive/Transmit Icons
14. Battery Low Indicator
15. Power Saver Icon
16. Channel Numbers
13
14
15
16
Maximum range may vary and is based on unobstructed ine-
of-sight communication under idea conditions.
Industry Canada Notice:
Operation is subject to the fo owing two conditions:
1) this device may not cause interference, and
2) this device must accept any interference, inc uding
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
«IC» before the equipment certification number signifies that
the Industry Canada technica specifications were met.
It does not guarantee that the certified product wi operate
to the user’s satisfaction.
Important FCC Licensing Information
This radio operates on Genera Mobi e Radio Service (GMRS)
frequencies which require a Federa Communications
Commission (FCC) icense in the U.S.A. See page 22 for
icensing and other re ated information.
Backlit LCD Display
1
2346
9
10
12
14
15
16 11
13
5
8
7
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e A2

Operation Customer Assistance Warranty
1
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Introduction
Caring for Your microTALK Radio •
Your microTALK radio will give you years of trouble-free service
if cared for properly. andle the radio gently. Keep the radio away
from dust. Never put the radio in water or in a damp place.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
Rechargeable Batteries and
Desktop Charger •
To install or replace batteries:
1. Remove belt clip by releasing belt clip
latch and sliding clip up.
2. Pull up on the battery door latch to
the battery compartment cover.
3. Insert batteries according to
polarity markings.
4. Replace battery compartment cover
and belt clip.
Estimated operation time on full charge:
12 hours.
These rechargeable batteries must be recycled or disposed of
properly in compliance with all applicable laws. They may not be
thrown in the trash.
Certain states or municipalities require recycling and have
established collection programs. Please contact your local waste
removal authority for instructions, or return to Cobra®for recycling.
Wrap batteries carefully and mail postage prepaid to:
Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 West Cortland Street,
Chicago, IL 60707 USA, Attn: Battery Recycling.
Do not put batteries into fire or expose to high heat.
They may explode.
Remove Belt Clip
Pull Up Lock Latch
Insert Batteries
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 1

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction
3
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Operation
2English
Using Your Radio
Operation
For charging microTALK radio(s) in desktop
charger:
1. Insert radio(s) into desktop charger as shown.
2. Insert round connector of 120-volt adapter
into jack on back of charger.
3. Plug 120-volt adapter into electrical outlet.
If charging light is not on, check position of radio. Radio should be
upright. The charge indicator light will stay on as long as the radio
is in the charging well, even after the batteries are fully charged.
It normally takes about 15 hours to fully recharge batteries.
Batteries will not be damaged if they stay in the charging well
longer than that.
Note: To charge a single radio, you can bypass the desktop charger
and simply insert the wall adapter’s round connector directly into
the speaker/microphone/charge jack located on the top of the radio.
Use only the supplied rechargeable batteries and charger for
recharging your Cobra microTALK radio.
Cobra recommends your radio is turned off while being charged.
Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be used in your radio.
Insert Radio(s)
Quick Start
1. Rotate the On/Off Volume knob to turn
on your radio.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to select a channel.
Both radios must be tuned to
the same channel/privacy code
to communicate.
3. Press and hold the Talk button while
speaking into the microphone.
4. When finished talking, release the Talk
button and listen for a response.
Turning on Your microTALK Radio •
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to turn
on your radio and adjust the volume. A series
of tones will indicate the radio is on.
Your microTALK radio is now in Standby mode,
ready to receive transmissions. The radio is
always in Standby mode, except when the Talk,
Call or Mode/Lock buttons are pressed.
When battery power is low, the Battery Low icon
will blink. Your batteries should be recharged or
replaced if using alkaline batteries.
Your microTALK radio has a unique circuit
designed to extend battery life. If there are
no transmissions for 10 seconds, the radio will
automatically switch to Battery Save mode and
the ower Saver icon will flash in the display.
This will not affect the radio’s ability to receive
incoming transmissions.
Your microTALK radio has a Signal Strength
Meter that shows the strength of your incoming
and outgoing transmissions. The ascending bars
next to the signal strength indicate the strength
of the signal. The greater the number of bars
visible, the stronger the signal. The fewer
number of bars visible, the weaker the signal.
Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction Operation
Battery Low •
Auto Battery Save •
Signal Strength Meter •
Two Inches (5 cm)
from Mouth
Talk Button
On/Off Power
Battery Low
Battery Save Mode
Signal Strength
Communicating with Another Person •
1. Press and hold the Talk button.
2. With the microphone about 2 inches (5 cm)
from your mouth, speak in a normal voice.
3. Release the Talk button when you are
finished talking and listen for a response.
You cannot receive incoming calls while
pressing the Talk button.
Both radios must be tuned to the same
channel/privacy code to communicate.
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 2

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction
5
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Operation
4English
Using Your Radio
Operation
Channel umber
Listening
Channels •
With the radio on, select any of the 22 channels
by pressing the Channel Up or Channel Down
button.
Both radios must be tuned to the
same channel to communicate.
Channels 1 through 7 are shared by FRS and
GMRS. Channels 8 through 14 are FRS only.
Channels 15 through 22 are GMRS only.
See page 21 for FRS/GMRS frequency
allocations and compatibility charts.
Listening for a Response •
Release the Talk button to receive incoming
transmissions. Your microTALK radio is always
in Standby mode while the Talk or Call buttons
are not pressed.
Volume •
Rotate the On/Off Volume knob.
Call Button •
To alert another person that you are calling:
Press and release the Call button.
The other person will hear a two second
call tone. This tone is used only to establish
voice communications.
See page 19 on how to select from
10 available call tone settings.
Volume Knob
Call Button
Enter/Hi-Low Button
Hi Power Icon
Low Power Icon
Light/Max Range
Selectable High•Low Power Output •
When in close proximity to another party or
during favorable conditions, you can switch
from High to Low ower to extend battery life.
This feature applies to GMRS Channels
1 through 7 and 15 through 22 only.
Channels 8 through 14 operate
exclusively on low power.
To toggle between high and low power:
Press the Enter/Hi•Low button for
two seconds.
When using Channels 1 through 7 and
15 through 22 on high power, the Hi icon
will be visible on the display.
When using those channels on low power
and on Channels 8 through 14, the Low icon
will be visible on the display.
To Illuminate Display •
Press and release the Light/Max Range button
to illuminate the display for 10 seconds.
Auto Squelch/Maximum Range •
Your microTALK radio is equipped with Auto Squelch, which
automatically shuts off weak transmissions and unwanted noise
due to terrain and conditions. This slightly reduces the Maximum
Range at which signals can be heard.
You can turn off auto squelch to allow all signals to be received
and extend the maximum range of your radio.
Channel Buttons
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 4

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction
7
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Operation
6English
Using Your Radio
Operation
To briefly turn off auto squelch:
Press the Light/Max Range button
for less than five seconds.
If you hear two beeps, you have turned
the maximum range extender on (see below).
To turn maximum range extender on:
Press and hold the Light/Max Range button
for at least five seconds until you hear
two beeps which indicates the maximum
range extender is on.
To turn maximum range extender off:
Press and release the Light/Max Range
button or change channels.
Lock Feature •
The Lock feature locks the Channel,Mode/Lock and Enter/Hi•Low
ower buttons to prevent accidental operation.
To turn the lock feature on or off:
Press and hold the Mode/Lock button
for two seconds.
A double beep sound is used to confirm your
lock on or off request. When in Lock mode,
the Lock icon will be displayed.
Dual Function Buttons •
Two of the buttons on the microTALK radio have Dual Functions;
Mode/Lock
• Press and release the button to scroll to the next mode function.
• Press and hold the button for two seconds or more to turn the
lock function on or off.
Enter/Hi•Low ower
• Press and release the button to enter settings in Function mode.
• Press and release to toggle between high and low power
transmission in Standby mode.
Light/Max Range
Lock Mode
Mode/Lock Button
Reduced Range
Speaker/Microphone/Charge Jack •
Your microTALK radio can be fitted with an external
Speaker/Microphone, freeing your hands for
other tasks. This same jack also serves as the
connecting point for a wall charger/adapter.
To attach a speaker/microphone:
1. Open the speaker/microphone/charge
tab on top of your microTALK radio.
2. Insert the plug into the speaker/
microphone/charge jack.
To connect a wall charger/adapter:
1. Open the speaker/microphone/charge
tab on top of your microTALK radio.
2. Insert the wall charger/adapter plug
into the speaker/microphone/charge jack.
Earbud Microphone •
1. Plug earbud microphone into radio.
2. Place earbud in ear.
3. Clip microphone onto clothing 3 inches (7.6 cm)
to 6 inches (15.2 cm) from your mouth.
4. Push to talk.
microTALK Range •
Your range will vary depending on
terrain and conditions.
In flat, open country your radio will
operate at maximum range.
Buildings and foliage in the path of the
signal can reduce the range of the radio.
Dense foliage and hilly terrain will
further reduce the range of the radio.
On FRS channels 8 through 14, your radio
automatically switches to low power, which
will limit the range the radio can communicate.
Remember, you can achieve maximum
range by using maximum range extender.
See page 6 for details.
Maximum Range
Reduced Range
Speaker/Microphone/
Charge Jack
Placed in Ear
Clipped to Clothing
1
2
3
Push to Talk
4
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 6

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction
9
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Operation
8English
Mode Functions
Operation
Scrolling through Mode Functions •
By scrolling through the Mode Functions, you will be able to
select or turn on/off preferred features of your microTALK radio.
When scrolling through the Mode Functions, your radio features
will be displayed in the following order:
Set CTCSS Privacy Codes
Set DCS Privacy Codes
Set NOAA All azards Radio Channel
Set VOX On/Off
Set VOX Sensitivity Level
Set Memory Locations
Set Channel Scan
Set CTCSS Privacy Code Scan
Set DCS Privacy Code Scan
Set Memory Location Scan
Set Call Tones
Set Roger Beep On/Off
Set Keystroke Tones On/Off
Scroll through the mode functions using the Mode/Lock button.
Each press and release of the Mode/Lock button will advance to
the next mode function. Press the Talk button at any point to
return the radio to Standby mode.
Privacy Codes •
Your microTALK radio incorporates two advanced coded squelch
systems that can help to reduce interference from other users
on any given channel. CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch
System) provides 38 privacy codes and DCS (Digitally Coded
Squelch) provides 83 privacy codes. This provides a total of 121
rivacy Codes. Either system can be used on all channels, but both
systems cannot be used on the same channel at the same time.
To successfully communicate using a privacy code, both
the sending and receiving radios must be tuned to the same
channel and to the same privacy code system (CTCSS or
DCS) and privacy code number. Each channel will remember
the last privacy code system and number you select.
The privacy code 00 is not a privacy code, but allows all
signals to be heard on a channel that is set to 00 on both
the CTCSS and DCS systems.
Mode/Lock Button
Set CTCSS Privacy Codes •
To select a CTCSS privacy code:
1. After selecting a channel, press
the Mode/Lock button until the small
numbers next to the channel number
flash on the display.
If DCS is turned on at the channel
selected, the display will flash the
CTCSS icon and “OFF.” To switch from
DCS to CTCSS, press the Channel Up
or Channel Down button while the
display is flashing “OFF.” The display
will then show the small numbers
flashing and you will then be able
to proceed to step 2.
2. Press using the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select
a privacy code. You can hold the Up or Down button for fast advance.
3. When your desired CTCSS privacy code is displayed, choose one
of the following:
a. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter the new setting and
proceed to other functions.
b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter the new setting and
return to Standby mode.
c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new
setting and return to Standby mode.
CTCSS Privacy Code
Channel Buttons
Mode/Lock Button
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 8

Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction Operation
10 English
Mode Functions
Voice Activated Transmit (VO ) •
In VOX mode, your microTALK radio can be used “hands-free,”
automatically transmitting when you speak. You can set the VOX
sensitivity level to fit the volume of your voice and avoid
transmissions triggered by background noise.
To turn VOX mode on or off:
1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the VOX
icon flashes on the display. The current on
or off setting is displayed.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to turn VOX on or off.
3. Choose one of the following:
a. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter the
selected on or off setting and proceed to
other functions.
b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter
the selected on or off setting and return
to Standby mode.
To set VOX sensitivity:
1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the VOX
icon flashes and the current sensitivity level
is displayed.
Operation
11
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Set DCS Privacy Codes •
To select a DCS privacy code:
1. After selecting a channel, press the Mode/Lock
button until the DCS icon appears and the
small numbers flash on the display
(01 through 83).
2. Press using the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to select a DCS privacy code. You can
hold the Up or Down button for fast advance.
3. When your desired DCS privacy code is
displayed, choose one of the following:
a. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter the
new setting and proceed to other functions.
b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter the
new setting and return to Standby mode.
c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds
to enter the new setting and return to
Standby mode.
DCS Privacy Code
Channel Buttons
Mode/Lock Button
NOAA* All Hazards Radio Channels •
You can use your microTALK radio to listen to NOAA All Hazards
Radio channels transmitting in your area.
To listen to All Hazards Radio channels:
1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the
All Hazards Radio icon, the currently
selected All Hazards Radio channel,
and signal strength are displayed.
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to change All Hazards Radio channels.
Mode/Lock Button
If CTCSS is turned on at the channel
selected, the display will flash the DCS
icon and “OFF.” To switch from CTCSS to
DCS, press the Channel Up or Channel
Down button while the display is flashing
“OFF.” The display will then show the
small numbers flashing and you will then
be able to proceed to step 2.
Enter/Hi-Low Button
Hazards Radio Icon
VOX Icon
Channel Buttons
Mode/Lock Button
3. The All Hazards Radio icon will continue to
be displayed when All Hazards Radio is on.
Choose one of the following:
a. Press the Mode/Lock button to proceed
to other functions.
b. Press the Enter/Hi-Low button to exit
All Hazards Radio channel mode and
return to Standby mode.
c. Press Talk button to exit and start on
last used transmitting channel.
*National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
Channel Buttons
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 10

The current sensitivity level is displayed
with letters “LE” and a Number 01
through 05, with Number 05 being the
most sensitive level and Number 01
being the least sensitive level.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to change the setting.
3. Choose one of the following:
a. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter
the selected setting and proceed to
other functions.
b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter the
selected setting and return to Standby mode.
10 Memory Locations •
Your microTALK radio has 10 Memory Locations for storing
your most frequently used channels and channel/privacy code
combinations. These Memory Locations can be selected individually
or can be scanned. (See page 18 for memory location scan.)
To program a memory location:
1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the
Memory icon and the memory location
flash on the display.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to select the memory location
(0 through 9).
If a location has been programmed
before, its associated channel/privacy
code will be shown on the display.
3. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter
a new memory location or edit an already
programmed memory location. The channel
numbers will flash on the display.
4. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to select a channel (1 through 22).
5. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button. The CTCSS
icon and privacy code numbers will flash on
the display.
English
VOX Sensitivity Level
Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction Operation
12
Mode Functions
Operation
6. Choose one of the following:
a. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select
a CTCSS privacy code (01 through 38) for the channel.
b. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to switch from CTCSS to
DCS. The DCS icon and privacy code numbers will flash on
the display. The Channel Up or Channel Down button can
then be used to select a DCS privacy code (01 through 83)
for the channel.
If “OFF” flashes in place of the privacy code numbers,
a privacy code is already set in the opposite (CTCSS
or DCS) system. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to cancel the opposite code and select a privacy
code from the active system for the selected channel.
7. Choose one of the following:
a. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter the channel/privacy
code in the selected memory location. Radio then proceeds
to next memory location, which will blink.
b. Press the Mode/Lock button to enter the channel/privacy
code in the selected memory location and proceed to other
functions on the channel/privacy code displayed before you
entered mode functions.
c. Press the Talk button to enter the channel/privacy code
in the selected memory location and exit mode functions.
Upon release of the Talk button, the radio will enter
Standby mode on the channel/privacy code just entered.
To recall a stored memory channel location:
1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the Memory
icon and the memory location number flash
on the display.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to select a memory location
(0 through 9).
If a location has been programmed
before, its associated channel/privacy
code will be shown on the display.
13
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Memory Icon
Memory Icon
Channel Buttons
Enter/Hi-Low Button
Mode/Lock Button
Mode/Lock Button
Channel Buttons
Mode/Lock Button
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 12

While de-programming a memory location, if you do not press any
buttons for 15 seconds, your radio will automatically return to
Standby mode on the channel/privacy code displayed before you
entered mode functions.
Channel Scan •
Your microTALK radio can automatically scan channels.
To scan channels:
1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the
Scan icon and the channel numbers
flash on the display.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to begin scanning channels.
The radio ignores specific privacy
codes while scanning channels.
The Scan icon will continue to be displayed
when scan is on. Your radio will continue to
scan all channels and stop if an incoming
transmission is detected. Your radio will
remain on that channel for 10 seconds.
While setting channel scan, if you do not press any buttons for
15 seconds, your radio will automatically return to Standby mode
on the channel or channel/privacy code displayed before you
entered mode functions.
During channel scan (while receiving an incoming transmission),
you can choose from the following:
a. Press and hold the Talk button to communicate on that
channel. Your radio will remain on that channel and return
to Standby mode.
b. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to resume
scanning channels.
If you press the Talk button while scanning, but more than
10 seconds after receiving a transmission, you will transmit
on the channel on which you last received a transmission.
This will return the radio to Standby mode.
Customer Assistance WarrantyIntroduction
15
othing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Operation
14 English
Mode Functions
3. Press the Talk button to return to Standby
mode on the selected memory location.
A memory location can be reprogrammed
at any time it is displayed. Press the
Enter/Hi•Low button to begin.
While recalling a stored memory location, if you do not press any
buttons for 15 seconds, your radio will automatically return to
Standby mode on the channel/privacy code displayed before you
entered mode functions.
To de-program a memory location:
1. Press the Mode/Lock button until the
Memory icon and the memory location
flash on the display.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to select the memory location
(0 through 9).
If a location has been programmed
before, its associated channel/privacy
code will be shown on the display.
3. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button. The channel
numbers will flash on the display.
4. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down
button to select Channel 0.
5. Choose one of the following:
a. Press the Enter/Hi•Low button to enter
the channel/privacy code in the selected
memory location and return to the
beginning of memory location options.
b. Press the Mode/Lock button to
enter the channel/privacy code in
the selected memory location and
proceed to other functions on the
channel/privacy code displayed
before you entered mode functions.
Operation
Scanning Channels
Channel Buttons
Mode/Lock Button
Channel Buttons
Memory Icon
Enter/Hi-Low Button
Channel 0
Channel Buttons
Mode/Lock Button
CXT420C_ENG_MANL.qxd:PR4800-2 WX 1/7/09 2:05 PM Pa e 14