Cobra MicroTalk Operating instructions

How to Use Your Cobra
MicroTalk 2-Way Radio
1
Featuresof This Product
• UHFFMFrequencies
• 10WeatherChannels
• NoLicenseRequired
• NoAir TimeFees
• Upto2milerange
• 14MainChannels
• 38CTCSSSubchannels
• LCDFunctionDisplay
• PrivateCall® Voice
Scrambling
• TalkConfirmationTone
• Call/RingButton
• RechargingPads
• RetractableAntenna
• AutoBatterySaverCircuity
• AutoSquelch
• 10MemoryLocations
• MemoryScan
• ChannelandCTCSSScan
• LockKey
• Ring/VibrateNotification
• WristStrap/BeltClip
• WaterResistant
• DualWatch
Contents
Features .........................................................................................................1
The FRS Story ..............................................................................................A1
FCCWarnings
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators...............................................................................A2
Our Thanks to You.....................................................................................A3
Customer Support.................................................................................A3
Operating your MicroTalk
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
Listening to Weather Channels.........................................................16
MicroTalk Range.....................................................................................18
Making Life Easier And Safer ..............................................................19
External Microphone/Speaker Jack.................................................21
Advanced Features...................................................................................22
Programming Memory Locations....................................................24
Using Memory Locations....................................................................28
Scan Function..........................................................................................30
Memory Scan Function........................................................................34
Private Call (Voice Scramble).............................................................36
Ringer/Vibrate Modes..........................................................................38
Tone Settings...........................................................................................42
Lock Function..........................................................................................44
Dual Watch Function............................................................................45
Frequency Ranges ....................................................................................48
Caring for Your MicroTalk .....................................................................49
MicroTalk Specifications........................................................................51
Limited Two YearWarranty...................................................................53
Optional Accessories...............................................................................54
Order Form...................................................................................................55
If You Think You Need Service................................Back Cover
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 1

Pulllock tab down
and lift door up
(towards you) to
remove battery
cover.
Insert four“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
MicroTalk 2-wayradio. Note
Alwaysusehighquality
alkalineorNiMHbatteries.
Incorrectpositioningcan
damageboththebatteries
andtheunit.
Only theCobra NiMH
battery(Part #FA-BP)
packcan berecharged.
SeeAccessoriesonpage54.
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.
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 2

Turning On Your 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
Whenevertheunitisonyou
canreceivecommunica-
tions.
Turning
On Your
MicroTalk
Operation
4
LCD Display
LCD Display
Note
TheAutoBatterySave
Circuitdoesnoteffectthe
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
Note
TheLCDcanbeilluminated
for8secondsbypressing
theMaximumRange
Extenderbutton.
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 4

Select main channel by pushingandreleasing
buttons.
Operation
7
Note
Unitsmustbeonsame
channelandsubchannels
tocommunicate.
Note
Channels8-12generallyare
lessusedandgivebetter
resultsforcommunications
inmostareas.
Note
Pushandholdthe
buttonsforfastchannel
advance.
Select Main
Channel
Operation
6
Select Main 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
CTCSS00allowsyou to
hearallCTCSScodes-
01through38-inthat
channel
Note
Ifyoupushandholdthe
button,the LCD display will
cyclethroughthedifferent
functions.
Note
Toreturntooperational
modeandnotsaveyour
lastsettingpushand
release button.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
Select CTCSS Subchannel (00-38)
The CTCSS (Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch
System) is a great convenience when you are in
an area with many radios. It acts like a gate to
transmissions from other radios. Once your radio
is set to a CTCSS code,you will only hear trans-
missions from other radios on the same channel
and the same CTCSS code.
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
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 6

Operation
9
Operation
8
Selectsubchannel number by pushingand
releasing buttons.
When desired subchannel is displayed pushand
release button. If key stroke tone is on,
an audible tone will confirm your selection.
Select CTCSS
Subchannel
continued
4
5
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
Whenbatterycapacityisat
the1/4level itis recom-
mendedthatyoureplace
alkalinebatteriesor
rechargeyourNiMH(Nickel
MetalHydride)battery
pack.
Onlythe CobraNiMH
battery(Part #FA-BP)
packcan berecharged.
Note
NiMHrechargeablebattery
Pack(item#FA-BP)and 2
portdesktopcharger
(item#FA-CH) arenot
includedwiththisunit.
SeeAccessoriessectionon
page54.
Battery Low
Note
Pushandholdthe
buttonsforfastchannel
advance.
Pushandrelease button.Small numbers
flash next to channel display on LCD.
3
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 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 hear
a 2 second ring tone.
Turnon your MicroTalk 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
Boththecallingandreceiv-
ingunitsmustbeonsame
channelandsubchannelfor
thecallfunctiontowork.
Note
Yourincoming“Call”audio
ringinglevelisdependenton
yourunit’svolumesetting.
Operation
11
Operation
10
Select desired channel by pushingand
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
Calling Another Party
To alert another party that you wish to
communicate:
Place antenna in full
upright position.
2
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 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
Talking To Another Party
To send your outgoing message:
Turnon your MicroTalk 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
Hold mic about
2 inches 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
channelandsubchannelto
communicate.
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 12

Operation
15
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,
seeMicroTalkRange
Sectiononpage18.
Rangeisdependenton
batteryconditionand
geographicterritory.
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 to allow allsignals
toenter.
Operation
14
Talk
Confirmation
Tone
Listening For Another Party
When 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 22.
1
Note
WhilePTTbuttonisdepressed
youcannotreceiveincoming
communications.
Your listener will hear an
audible tone when you
release the PTT button.
This alerts the other party
that you are finished talking
and it’sOK for them to begin
talking.
Talk Confirmation Tone
Listening
mode.
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 14

Operation
17
Listening to Weather Channels
Listening to
Weather
Channels
Operation
16
Listening to Weather Channels
Turnon your MicroTALK 2 -way radio.An audi-
ble“tone”will indicate the unit is on. The LCD
will go through a 3 second self test and then
go operational mode.
Listening to
Weather
Channels
1
Place antenna in full
upright position.
2Press the buttons to select the
appropriate channels for your area.
To exit weather reception,press the or
button.The radio will go to the last FRS
channel and CTCSS sub-channel.
3Pushandrelease button until
icon flashes.The last weather channel tuned
will be displayed.
4
5
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 16

Making Life Easier and Safer
19
MicroTalk 2-Way Radios 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-WayRadios
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
1. Talking with fellow
hikers. 2. Keeping track of the kids in a
shopping mall.
continued
MicroTalkRange
18
MicroTalk Range
Your MicroTalk Radiohas a range of up to 2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.
Toachievemaximum
rangetheautosquelch
canbeoverridden.
RefertoMaximum
RangeExtendersection
onpage15.
MicroTalk
Range
1. Under flat,open
conditions you will
experience the
MicroTalk’smaxi-
mum range.
2. Range canbe
reduced by buildings
and foliage in the
path of the signal.
3. Range will be
further reduced by
dense foliage and
hilly terrain.
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 18

External Microphone/Speaker Jack
21
External Microphone/Speaker Jack
Your MicroTalk 2-Way Radio can be fitted with
a variety of accessories,(not included)
freeing your hands for other tasks.
To attach an external microphone/speaker
accessory:
External
Microphone/
Speaker Jack
Insert plug into the Mic/Spkr jacks.
Open Mic/Spkr tab on top of unit.
1
2
MicroTalk 2-Way Radios Can Make Life
Easier and Safer continued
Making Life Easier and Safer
20
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
2-Way Radios
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 20

Advanced Features
23
Note
Ifyoupush and hold the
button,theMicroTalk
willcycle throughthe dif-
ferentfunctions.
If,after10secondsnoselec-
tionismade, the unitwill
returntooperationalmode.
Advanced Features
22
Advanced Features
Your MicroTalk has many advanced features
not found on other 2-way radios.
These include:
• 10 Memory Storage Location and Recall
• Memory Scan
• Channel/Sub Channel Scan
• Private Call® (Voice Scramble)
• Ring/Vibrate Notification Modes
• Tone Indicator Settings
• Key Stroke Tone
• Talk ConfirmationTone
• Lock Key
• Dual Watch
Advanced
Features
Note
Whenusingorprogramming
functions,pushingand
releasingthe buttonor
the buttonwillsaveall
enteredinformation.
Note
Toexitoutoffunctionmode
andreturntooperational
modewithoutsavingentered
informationsimplypressthe
button.
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 22

Pushandrelease button again.
MAIN CHANNEL will flash and only the
icon will remain flashing.
Select desired main channel you wish to store
(1-14) by pushing andreleasing
buttons.(Use CHANNEL 12 for this example.)
5
Advanced Features
25
Note
Onceyouentermemory
modeyoucantalkandlis-
tentoanychannelyou
selectafter programmingis
complete. SeeUsing
MemoryLocationssection
onpage28.
continued
4
Pushandrelease button until icon and
a memory location flashes.
Select memory location you wish to change by
pushingandreleasing buttons (Use
MEM 6 for this example).
3
Advanced Features
24
Programming Memory Locations
Your MicroTalk 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
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 24

Your MicroTalk will stay in the subchannel
section until you:
Pushandhold button to set memory
location and stay in memory scan.
or...Push andrelease button to return to
operational mode.
or...Push andrelease button to proceed to
next function mode (Scan).
Advanced Features
27
Note
Ifyoupushandholdthe
button,the LCD display will
cyclethroughthedifferent
functions.
A
B
C
Advanced Features
26
Programming Memory Locations continued
Programming
Memory
Locations
Pushandrelease button which sets main
channel in memory and moves to subchannel
selection. The subchannel begins flashing.
The icon will remain flashing.
6
Select desired subchannel you wish to store
(00-38) by pushing andreleasing
buttons.(Use SUBCHANNEL 38 for this
example.)
7
Note
Pushandholdthe
buttonsforfastchannel
advance.
Note
Youcanpushandholdthe
buttontobegintalking
anytime.
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 26

Advanced Features
29
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
Note
Iffunctionbuttonispushed
whilelistening/talking,
programmingwillbegin.
See ProgrammingMemory
Locationsonpage24.
Advanced Features
28
Using
Memory
Locations
Select desired memory location you wish to
recall (0-9) by pushing andreleasing
buttons.
2
Pushandrelease button until icon and
a memory location flashes.
Memory Channel Recall/Talk
To recall a channel in memory:
1
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 28

Advanced Features
31
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 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...Push andrelease button to rescan the
main channel.
or...Proceed to subchannel scan on next page.
A
B
C
continued
Advanced Features
30
Note
TheMicroTalk“zerosout”
thesubchannelstoallow
scanningofthemain
channels.
Scan Function
Scan Function
Pushandrelease button until icon and
main channel flashes.
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
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 30

Note
Ifyouwishtoproceedtothe
nextfunctionmode,push
andrelease button.
(Private CallVoiceScramble).
Advanced Features
33
Pushandrelease button.
To exit the Scan Mode and return to
Operational Mode:
1
Your MicroTalk 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...Push andrelease button to rescan the
main channel.
A
B
Advanced Features
32
Scan Function continued
Scan Function
Pushandrelease button and subchannel
and scan icon will flash.
1
To scan subchannels:
Pushandrelease button and
subchannel scanning begins and stops
when an incoming transmission is detected.
2
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 32

Advanced Features
35
Advanced Features
34
Memory Scan Function
MemoryScan convenientlyallowsyoutoaccessfre-
quentlyusedchannelandsub-channelcombinations.
Memory Scan
Function
Pushandrelease the buttons to begin
the scan mode.
The radio will stop at the first memory location
for 1/2 second.
• If no signal is detected it will move on.
• If a signal is detected,it will stay at that
location for 10 seconds. If you want to stay
at that location for more than 10 seconds,
press andrelease the Push to Talk button.
To leave Memory Scan, pressandrelease the
or button at any time.
Memory Scan
Function
Memory Scan Function continued
Turnon your MicroTALK 2 -way radio.An audi-
ble“tone”will indicate the unit is on. The LCD
will go through a 3 second self test and then
go to operational mode.
1
Placeantenna in full
upright position.
2
3Pushandrelease button until MEM, 0
and SCAN icon flash.
4
5
6
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 34

Advanced Features
37
Note
Whenyoupushandhold
the PTT button,the unit
exitsouttooperational
mode.
If,after10 secondsno
selectionismade,theunit
willreturntooperational
mode.
Pushandrelease buttons until icon
is visible.
4
Pushandrelease button.Unit will go to
operational mode or push function button to
proceed to next function.
4
Advanced Features
36
Private Call (Voice Scrambling)
Private Call ensures that no one can eavesdrop on
your conversation.
To engage the Private Call function:
Pushandrelease button until
icon flashes.
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
Scrambling)
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 36

Pushandrelease buttons until icon
appears for ringer mode.
Advanced Features
39
3
continued
Advanced Features
38
Ringer/Vibrate Modes
Your Microtalk 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
Pushandrelease button until icon
flashes.
2
1
310WX.MANUAL.qx copy 6/17/99 12:18 PM Page 38