Cobra MicroTalk PMR250 User manual

How to Use Your Cobra
MicroTalk 2-Way Radio
1
Featuresof ThisProduct
• UHFFMFrequencies
• NoAir-timeFees
• Upto3km(2-mile)Range
• 8MainChannels
• 38CTCSSSubchannels
• LCDFunctionDisplay
• TalkConfirmationTone
• Call/RingButton
• RechargingPads
• RetractableAntenna
• AutoBatterySaverCircuity
• AutoSquelch
• LockKey
• RingNotification
• WristStrap/BeltClip
Contents
Section A - English:
Features.....................................................................................1
The PMR Story........................................................................A1
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators..........................................................A2
OurThanks toYou................................................................A3
Operating your MicroTalk
Battery Installation............................................................2
LCD Display ..........................................................................4
Turning On............................................................................5
Auto Battery Power Saver...............................................5
Select Main Channel (1-8)...............................................6
Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38)................................6
Battery Low..........................................................................9
Calling Another Party.......................................................10
TalkingTo Another Party.................................................12
Talk Confirmation Tone....................................................14
Listening For Another Party...........................................14
Auto Squelch.......................................................................15
Maximum Range Extender.............................................15
MicroTalk Range................................................................16
Making Life Easier And Safer..........................................17
External Microphone/Speaker Jack ............................19
Advanced Features..............................................................20
Ringer.....................................................................................22
Tone Settings.......................................................................24
Lock Function......................................................................26
Caring for Your MicroTalk ................................................27
MicroTalk Specifications..................................................28
Accessories..............................................................................30
Deutsch..........................................................AbschnittB
Español..............................................................SecciónC
Français..............................................................Section D
Italiano..............................................................Sezione E
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 1

Pulllock tab down
and lift door up
(towards you) to
remove battery
cover.
Insertfour“AAA”
batteries.Position
batteries according
to polaritymarkings.
Remove belt clip by (A.) pulling tab out and
(B.) sliding belt clip up and off unit.
Operation
3
Operation
2
Note
Batteriesnotincludedwith
MicroTalk2-wayradio. Note
Alwaysusehigh-quality
alkalineorNiMHbatteries.
Incorrectpositioningcan
damageboththebatteries
andtheunit.
OnlytheCobraNiMH
batterypack (partno.
PMR-BP)canberecharged
viatheDesktopCharger
(partno.PMR-CH).
SeeAccessoriesonpage30.
Chargeportsforrecharging
NiMH(NickelMetal
Hydride)batterypackare
locatedonbackofunit.
Note
Whenbatteriesarelowor
needchargingthe
BATTLOWindicatorwill
blink.Replacealkaline
batteriesorrechargeNiMH
batterypack.
Install Batteries
Battery
Installation
Clearantenna.
1
2
3 4
A. B.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 2

Turning On Your MicroTalk
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
An audible“tone”will indicate that the unit is on.
The LCD will go through a 3-second self-test and
then go to operational mode.
Operation
5
Note
Wheneverthe unit is on you
canreceivecommunications.
Turning
On Your
MicroTalk
Operation
4
LCD Display
LCD Display
Note
TheAutoBatterySave
Circuitdoesnotaffectthe
unit’sabilitytoreceive
incomingtransmissions.
Auto Battery Power Saver
Your MicroTalk 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 icon will flash.
Auto Battery
Power Saver
Operational Mode
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 4

Select main channel by pushingandreleasing
either button.
Operation
7
Note
Unitsmustbeonsame
channelandsubchannels
tocommunicate.
Note
Pushandholdthe
buttonsforfastchannel
advance.
Select Main
Channel
Operation
6
Select Main Channel (1-8)
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
An audible“tone”will indicate that the unit is
on.The LCD will go through a 3-second self-
test and then go to operational mode.
Select channel by pushing andreleasing either
button.
2
1
Note
Ifyoupushandholdthe
button,the LCD display will
cyclethroughthedifferent
functions.
Note
Toreturntooperational
modeandnotsaveyour
lastsettingpushand
releasebutton.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
Pushandrelease button.Small numbers
flash next to channel display on LCD.
Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38) continued
Rotate ON - OFF Volume Control clockwise.
An audible“tone”will indicate that the unit is on.
The LCD will go through a 3-second self-test and
then go to operational mode.
continued
2
1
3
Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38)
TheCTCSS(ContinuousToneControlledSquelch
System)isagreatconveniencewhenyouareinanarea
withmanyradios.Itactslikeagatetotransmissions
fromotherradios.OnceyourradioissettoaCTCSS
code,youwillonlyheartransmissionsfromotherradios
onthesamechannelandthesameCTCSScode.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 6

Operation
9
Operation
8
Selectsubcode number by pushingandreleasing
either button.
When desired code is displayed pushand
release button.If key stroke tone is on,
an audible tone will confirm your selection.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
4
5
Battery Low
When the unit is 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
the1/4levelitisrecom-
mended thatyoureplace
alkalinebatteriesor
rechargeyourNiMH(Nickel
MetalHydride)batterypack.
Onlythe CobraNiMH
batterypack (partno.
PMR-BP)pack canbe
recharged viathe
Desktop Charger(part
no.PMR-CH).
Note
NiMHrechargeablebattery
Pack(itemno.PMR-BP)and
2portdesktopcharger
(itemno.PMR-CH) arenot
includedwiththisunit.
SeeAccessoriessectionon
page30.
Battery Low
SelectCTCSS Subchannel(00-38)continued
Note
Pushandholdthe
buttonsforfastchannel
advance.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 8

Pushandrelease button.The indicator
icon will flash and the icon will remain on
for 3 seconds.The unit you are calling will emit
a 2 second ring tone.
Turnon your MicroTalk 2-way radio.
An audible“tone”will indicate that the unit is
on.The LCD will go through a 3-second self-
test and then to operational mode.
Note
Boththecallingandreceiv-
ingunitsmustbeonsame
channelandsubchannelfor
thecallfunctiontowork.
Note
Yourincoming“Call”audio
ringinglevelisdependenton
yourunit’svolumesetting.
Operation
11
Operation
10
Select desired channel by pushingand
releasing either button.
3
4
Wait for the party’s response or proceed to
“Talking To Another Party”section on next
page.
5
1
Calling
Another
Party
Calling Another Party
To alert another party that you wish to
communicate:
Place antenna in full
upright position.
2
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 10

The icon will appear.
Operation
13
Note
WhilePTTbuttonis
depressedyoucannot
receiveincomingcalls.
Note
Whenyoureleasethe
PTT button,the person you
aretalkingtowillheara
toneindicatingthatit’sOK
totalk.SeeTalk
ConfirmationTonesection
onpage14.
Operation
12
TalkingTo Another Party
To send your outgoing message:
Turnon your MicroTalk 2-way radio.
An audible“tone”will indicate that the unit is
on.The LCD will go through a 3-second self-
test and then go to operational mode.
Talking to
Another
Party
Hold mic about
5 cm from mouth.
Speak in
a normal voice.
Release button
and listen for
response.
Pushand hold button.
3
4
5 6
1
Place antenna in full
upright position.
2
Note
Bothunitsmustbeonsame
channeltocommunicate.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 12

Operation
15
Operation
14
Talk
Confirmation
Tone
Listening For Another Party
When you have finished talking:
Listening For
Another Party
Release button to receive incoming
transmissions.
Your MicroTalk 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
WhilePTTbuttonis
depressedyoucannotreceive
incomingcommunications.
Your listener will hear an
audible tone when you
release the PTT button.
This alerts the other party
that youhave finished talking
and it’sOK for them to begin
talking.
Talk ConfirmationTone
Maximum Range Extender
Auto squelch can be temporarily removed
to allow all signals to enter by pressing the
button (Maximum Range Extender).
Note
Tolearnmoreaboutthe
rangeofyourMicroTalk,
seeMicroTalk Range
Sectiononpage16.
Rangeisdependenton
batteryconditionand
thefeaturesoftheterrain.
Auto Squelch
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 the button for 1 second to
allow allsignals to enter.
Listening
mode.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 14

Making Life Easier and Safer
17
MicroTalkRange
16
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-WayRadio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
1. Talking with fellow
hikers. 2. Keeping track of your family and
friends in a
shopping centre.
MicroTalk Range
Your MicroTalk Radio has arange of upto 3km
(2miles).This effective range may be shortened
under some conditions.
Toachievemaximum
rangetheautosquelch
canbeoverridden.
RefertoMaximum
RangeExtendersection
onpage15.
MicroTalk
Range
1. Underflat,open
conditions you will
experience the
MicroTalk’s maxi-
mum range.
2. Rangecan be
reduced by buildings
and foliage in the
path ofthe signal.
3. Rangewill be
further reduced by
densefoliage and
hilly terrain.
continued
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 16

MicroTalk 2-Way Radio Can Make Life
Easier and Safer continued
External Microphone/Speaker Jack
19
Making Life Easier and Safer
18
External Microphone/Speaker Jack
Your MicroTalk 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 plug into the Mic/Spkr jacks.
Open Mic/Spkr tab on top of unit.
1
2
5. Checking on
travelling compan-
ions in another car.
6. Agreeing on a
meeting spot after
an event.
3. Communicating
between different
floors of a building.
4. Talking to a
neighbour or a
friend.
MicroTalk
2-Way Radio
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
Note
Externalmicrophone/
speaker(item#FA-SM)is
notincludedwiththisunit.
SeeAccessoriessectionon
page30foravailableunits.
Note
Insomecountriesitmay
beillegaltouseahand
heldradiowhilstdrivinga
motorvehicle.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 18

Advanced Features
21
Note
Ifyoupushandhold the
button,theMicroTalk
willcyclethroughthedif-
ferentfunctions.
Ifafter10secondsnoselec-
tionismade, theunitwill
returntooperationalmode.
Advanced Features
20
Advanced Features
Your MicroTalk has many advanced features
not found on other 2-way radios.
These include:
• Ring Notification Modes
• Tone Indicator Settings
• Key Stroke Tone
• Talk ConfirmationTone
• Lock Key
Advanced
Features
Note
Whenusingorprogramming
functions,pushingand
releasingthe buttonor
the buttonwillsaveall
enteredinformation.
Note
Toexitoutoffunctionmode
andreturntooperational
modewithoutsavingentered
informationsimplypressthe
button.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 20

Advanced Features
23
Advanced Features
22
Note
Unitmustbeinoperational
modetotestring.
Ringer Modes
Your MicroTalk will signal you that there is an
incoming transmission with a ring tone.To set
Ringer:
Ringer Modes
Ringer Test
To test the ringer mode:
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.
Push and hold button.
Quickly push and release button.Unit will
ring for 5 seconds.
1
2
3
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 22

Advanced Features
Note
Formoreinformationsee
TalkConfirmationTone
sectiononpage14.
Note
Torestorethe Talk
ConfirmationTonerepeat
steps1-3asshownto
theleft.
Note
Whenyoupushandhold
the PTT button,the unit
exitsouttooperational
mode.
Ifafter10secondsnoselec-
tionismade,theunitwill
returntooperationalmode.
Talk ConfirmationTone Indicator
Totemporarilyeliminate theTalk ConfirmationTone:
Advanced Features
Note
TheKeyStrokeToneand
TalkConfirmationTonecan
betemporarilyturnedonor
offatanytimewhilein
operationalmode.
Tone Setting
The Key StrokeTone and Talk ConfirmationTone
can be temporarily turned on or off during the
operation of your MicroTalk 2-Way Radio.
Key Stroke Tone Indicator
You will hear an audible tone when any button is
pushed (except PTT button).To turn the audible
tone on or off:
Tone
Settings
2524
To return to the audible mode,pushandhold
button until icon appears in the LCD
display.
Pushandhold button until icon
disappears from the LCD display.
1
2Pushandhold button. icon will
disappear.
3
Pushandrelease buttonuntil icon flashes.
1
Pushandrelease either buttonuntil
icon appears in the LCD display.
2
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 24

27
Pushandrelease button. icon flashes.
Most buttons are locked.
Advanced Features
26
Note
Callbutton,RangeExtender
buttonandPTTbutton
donotlockandarefully
operational whiletheunit
islocked.
Theunitcannotlockwhile
infunctionmode.
Lock Function
The purpose of the LOCK function is to lock most
buttons to avoid accidental operation.
To engage the LOCK function:
Lock Function
1
To“unlock”pushandrelease button again.
Buttons are“unlocked”and icon disappears.
2
3. Never place the
unit in water or in
a damp place.
4. Avoid exposure
to extreme
temperatures.
Caring forYour MicroTalk Radio
The MicroTalk 2-Way Radio will give you years
of service if cared for properly.
Here are some suggestions:
Caring for Your MicroTalk Radio
Caring
forYour
MicroTalk
Radio
1. Handle unit
gently. 2. Keep away from dust.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 26

C.TRANSMITTER UNIT
1. EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER mW 500
2. CARRIER FREQ.STABILITY Hz 500
3. MODULATION LIMITING kHz 2.5
4. CARRIER ATTACK TIME ms 80
5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESPONSE
@ 300 HZ dB -6
@ 3000 HZ dB -6
6. AUDIO DISTORTION % 3
7. HUM and NOISE dB 45
8. TRANSIENT FREQ.BEHAVIOR
a) TX ON ms 30
b)TXOFF ms 5
D.POWER SUPPLY
1. BATTERY LIFE (1:1:18 RATIO) HR 24
2.BATTERY V 4.8 - 6.0
MicroTalk Specifications
29
MicroTalk Specifications
28
I.GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
A.FREQUENCY
1 446.00625
2 446.01875
3 446.03125
4 446.04375
5 446.05625
6 446.06875
7 446.08125
8 446.09375
B.RECEIVER UNIT
1. SENSITIVITY
FOR 12 DB SINAD µV 0.25
FOR CALL SIG.DETECTION µV 0.2
2. MAX.AUDIO OUTPUT @10% THD mW 100
3. MAX.S/N RATIO @ 1mV RF INPUT dB 45
4. SQUELCH
a) SENS. µV 0.2
b) ATTACK TIME ms 120
c) CLOSING TIME ms 200
5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESP.
@ 300 HZ dB -6
@ 3000 HZ dB -6
6. SIGNAL DISPLACEMENT BW +/-kHz 5
7. ADJACENT CH.REJECTION dB 55
8. INTERMODULATION REJECTION dB 55
9. SPURIOUS RESPONSE REJECTION dB 65
Channel
PMR Frequency
Channel In MHz
The use of this 2-way radioproduct
involves the public airways and its use may
be subject to local laws, regulations,and
ordinances. Before using the product you
should check to see that the contemplated
use does not violate any local law, regula-
tion or ordinance that may be applicable.
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 28

VoxMic
VOX(VoiceOperated
Transmitter)adapterallows
youhands-freeoperation.
PMR-VOX
31
You Can Find These High-Quality Accessories
AtYour Local Cobra Dealer.
EarBudMicwithPTT
Integratedspeaker/micadapter
thatfitsinyourear. Includes
shirtclip. PMR-EBM
(1) NiMH Rechargeable
Battery Pack
HighperformanceNickel
MetalHydridebatterypackfor
multiplerecharging
PMR-BP
2Port Desktop Charger
ChargesyourMicroTalkRadio
and(1)NiCadbatterypack
PMR-CH
LapelMicrophone
Remotemicrophone/speaker
connection.
PMR-SM
ReplacementBeltClip
PMR-BC
CarryingCase
Durable caseperfectlyfitsyour
MicroTalk radio
PMR-CCB
30
Accessories Notes
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:55 PM Page 30

Private Mobile Radio
2-Way Radio
Cobra MicroTalk PMR 250
Betriebsfunkgerät für
Gegensprechbetrieb
Radio móvil privada
bidireccional
Cobra MicroTalk
PMR 250
Appareil de
radiocommunications
à usage privé
Ricetrasmettitore
portatile per
uso privato
© 1999 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707
www.cobraelec.com
“Ingenious Products for Easier Communication.”
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:56 PM Page 32

The Private Mobile Radio Story
A1
The Private Mobile Radio 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 shopping centre? Cobra’s MicroTalk
radios are a great way for friends or family to
increase their fun- and safety - by staying in touch
while on the goand they are perfect for business
use as well,suchas office to warehousecommuni-
cations.
The ERC (European Radiocommunications
Committee) has created 8 channels, called Private
Mobile Radio (PMR). 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.
Included with your MicroTalk
1. Removable Belt Clip
2. Wrist Strap
2
1
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:56 PM Page 34

A3A2
Controls and Indicators
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
13
12
814
15
16
1
7
9
10
11
12
54
3
6
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra PMR 250
2-way Radio. Properly used, this Cobra product
will give you many years of reliable service.
CobraontheWorldWideWeb:
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
(FAQ)canbefoundon-lineat:
www.cobraelec.com
Controls and Indicators
PMR250-UK.qx 6/17/99 2:56 PM Page 35