Radio Shack TRC-234 User manual

Cat. No. 21-1678
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before usin
g
this equipment.
TRC-234
5-Watt, 40-Channel
CB Walkie-Talkie
with 10 Weather Channels
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FEATURES
Your Radio Shack TRC-234 5-Watt 40-Channel CB
Walkie-Talkie is a high performance transceiver that
also lets you tune into local and national weather ser-
vice broadcasts. This CB is perfect for recreational,
business, or emergency use. You can call other peo-
ple who have CBs at home, in their vehicles, or at
camp sites. You can also connect optional equip-
ment to your CB, such as external speakers, or a DC
power supply and base station antenna to set up a
base station in your home.
Your CB has the following features:
10-Channel WX Band Receiver — includes seven
national and three international weather frequencies.
You can hear local conditions and forecasts wherev-
er you travel.
LCD Digital Display — lets you see the channel
number you select, incoming and outgoing signal
strength, and the selected mode (such as Weather,
Emergency, etc.)
PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Frequency Synthesiz-
er — provides highly accurate and stable tuning.
Two Ceramic Filters — provide superior selectivity
and freedom from adjacent channel interference.
Hysteresis Squelch Circuit — compensates for
fading signals and eliminates signal chopping during
reception.
Automatic Noise Limiting (ANL) Circuit — reduc-
es noise caused by nearby electrical equipment such
as motors or automotive ignition systems.
Emergency Channel 9 Switch — lets you quickly
switch to Channel 9 so you can report or monitor
emergency situations.
©1995 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Radio Shack is a registered trademark
used by Tandy Corporation.
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High/Low Power Button — lets you save power by
selecting a suitable transmitting power for long or
short distances.
For your records, we recommend you record your
CB’s serial number here. The number is located on
the CB’s back panel.
Serial Number _____________________
FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
does not require you to have a license to operate this
CB. However, you must know Part 95 of
FCC Rules .
It explains the proper operation of a Class D citizen’s
band transceiver. We enclosed a copy of Part 95 with
your CB.
Warning: Do not open the CB to make any internal
adjustments. A CB is set up to transmit a regulated
signal on an assigned frequency. It is against the law
to alter or adjust the settings inside the unit to exceed
these limitations.
Any adjustments to a CB must be made by a quali-
fied technician using the proper test equipment.
To be safe and sure:
• Never open your CB’s case.
• Never change or replace anything in your CB.
Your CB might cause TV or radio interference even
when it is operating properly. To determine whether
your CB is causing the interference, turn it off. If the
interference goes away, your CB is causing it. Try to
eliminate the interference by:
• Moving your CB away from the receiver
• Contacting a radio/TV technician or your local
Radio Shack store for help
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC re-
quires that you stop using your CB.
This device complies with Part 95 of
FCC Rules . Op-
eration is subject to the following two conditions:
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1. This device must not cause harmful interfer-
ence.
2. This device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CONTENTS
Preparation ........................................................... 6
Connecting Power ........................................... 6
Using Internal Batteries ............................ 6
Using Vehicle Battery Power .................... 8
Using Standard AC Power ....................... 9
Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries ............. 11
Connecting an Antenna ................................ 12
Using an External Speaker ........................... 13
Using an External Speaker/Microphone ........ 13
Using the Wrist Strap .................................... 14
Using the Belt Clip ......................................... 14
Operation ............................................................ 15
Receiving Transmissions
and Adjusting Squelch .................................. 15
Transmitting .................................................. 16
Turning On/Off the Light ................................ 17
Locking the Functions ................................... 18
Using Channel 9 ............................................ 18
Listening to the Weather Band ...................... 19
Operational Hints ............................................... 20
Common Uses for a CB ................................ 20
Business Uses ....................................... 20
Personal Uses ....................................... 20
Transmission Courtesy ................................. 21
Maximum Range ........................................... 21
Using Common 10-Codes ............................. 21
Channel Assignments ................................... 23
Care and Maintenance ....................................... 25
Specifications ..................................................... 26
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PREPARATION
CONNECTING POWER
You can power your transceiver from any of three
sources:
• Internal batteries (not supplied)
• Vehicle battery power (using an optional DC cig-
arette lighter power cord)
• Standard AC power (using an optional DC
power supply)
Note: Connecting a DC power cord automatically
disconnects internal batteries.
Using Internal Batteries
You can power your transceiver with nine AA batter-
ies. For the longest operation and best performance,
we recommend alkaline batteries (such as Cat. No.
23-552). Or, you can use rechargeable nickel-
cadmium batteries (Cat. No. 23-125).
Follow these steps to install or replace batteries.
1. If the transceiver is on, turn VOLUME/OFF coun-
terclockwise until it clicks to turn it off.
2. Remove the battery compartment cover by slid-
ing it in the direction of the arrow.
3. Remove any old batteries from the compart-
ment.
Cautions:
• Always dispose of old batteries promptly and
properly.
illustration
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• Never leave dead, old, or weak non-
rechargeable batteries in the transceiver.
They can leak chemicals and corrode or dam-
age electronic circuits.
• Do not expose batteries to extreme heat or
fire. They might explode and cause personal
injury or damage equipment.
4. Position the NI/AL switch to match the battery
type.
•NI: for rechargeable nickel-cadmium batter-
ies (see “Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batter-
ies”).
•AL: for standard or alkaline batteries.
5. Install nine fresh non-rechargeable batteries or
nine nickel-cadmium batteries as indicated by
the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside the
battery compartment.
Cautions:
• Improper installation (incorrect polarity) might
damage the transceiver.
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size
and type. Never mix new and old batteries or
rechargeable and non-chargeable batteries in
the transceiver.
illustration
illustration
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• If you do not plan to use batteries in the trans-
ceiver for a month or more, remove the bat-
teries. This protects the transceiver from
possible battery leakage.
6. Replace the cover.
When BATT (battery low) appears on the display, re-
place or recharge the batteries.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
You can power your transceiver from your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket with an optional DC cigarette
lighter power cord (such as Cat. No. 270-1534).
Cautions:
• You must use a DC power cord that supplies 12
volts and delivers at least 2.5 amps. Its center tip
must be set to positive, and it must have a plug
that properly fits your transceiver’s DC13.8V
CHARGE jack. The recommended power cord
meets these requirements. Using a power cord
that does not meet these specifications could
damage the transceiver or the power cord.
• To protect your vehicle’s electrical system,
always plug the power cord into the transceiver
before you plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette
lighter socket. Always unplug the power cord
from the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket before
you unplug it from the transceiver.
1. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the trans-
ceiver’s DC13.8V CHARGE jack.
2. Plug the other end of the cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket.
illustration
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Notes:
• If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium
batteries in the transceiver, connect the DC
power cord to the DC13.8V CHARGE jack and
be sure the NI/AL switch is set to NI. This pow-
ers the transceiver and recharges the batter-
ies at the same time. See “Charging Nickel-
Cadmium Batteries.”
• If the transceiver does not operate when you
use the power cord, unplug the cord from the
cigarette lighter socket and clean the socket
to remove ashes and debris. If it still does not
operate properly, check the in-line fuse in the
power cord.
Using Standard AC Power
You can operate the transceiver from AC power us-
ing a 12-volt DC power supply (such as Cat. No. 22-
120, not supplied), a DC cigarette lighter power cord
(such as Cat. No. 270-1534, not supplied), and a cig-
arette lighter accessory outlet (such as Cat. No. 270-
1539, not supplied).
Cautions:
• You must use a DC power cord that supplies 12
volts and delivers at least 2.5 amps. Its center tip
must be set to positive, and it must have a plug
that properly fits your transceiver’s DC13.8V
CHARGE jack. The recommended power cord
meets these requirements. Using a power cord
that does not meet these specifications could
damage the transceiver or the power cord.
• Be sure you connect the DC power cord to the
transceiver before you connect it to the power
supply. Then disconnectthe powercord from the
power supply before you disconnect it from the
transceiver.
Note: Most 12-volt DC power supplies plug into a
standard AC outlet to produce DC power. Before
connecting your transceiver to a 12-volt DC power
supply, read and follow the instructions included with
the power supply.
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Follow these steps to power the transceiver from AC
power.
1. Using the double-sided foam tape supplied with
the cigarette lighter accessory outlet, mount the
accessory outlet to the DC power supply.
2. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the trans-
ceiver’s DC13.8V CHARGE jack.
Note: If you installed rechargeable nickel-cad-
mium batteries in the transceiver, connect the
power cord to the DC13.8V CHARGE jack and be
sure the NI/AL switch is set to NI. This powers
the transceiver and recharges the batteries at
the same time. See “Charging Nickel-Cadmium
Batteries.”
3. Insert the cigarette lighter plug on the DC power
cord into the cigarette lighter accessory outlet.
4. Connect the DC power supply to a standard AC
outlet.
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CHARGING NICKEL-CADMIUM
BATTERIES
The transceiver has a built-in circuit that lets you re-
charge nickel-cadmium batteries while they are in the
transceiver. To charge the batteries, connect a DC
power cord to the transceiver’s DC13.8V CHARGE
jack and be sure the NI/AL switch is set to NI (see
“Using Standard AC Power” or “Using Vehicle Bat-
tery Power”).
Warning: Do not connect a power cord to the trans-
ceiver’s DC13.8V CHARGE jack if you installed non-re-
chargeable batteries (standard, extra-life, or alkaline)
and the NI/AL switch is set to NI. Non-rechargeable
batteries become hot and can even explode if you try
to recharge them.
It takes about 16 to 18 hours to recharge batteries
that are fully discharged.
Nickel-cadmium batteries come fully discharged. The
first time you use nickel-cadmium batteries, charge
them about 18 hours to bring them to a full charge.
Notes:
• Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver
more power if you occasionally let them fully dis-
charge. To do this, simply use the transceiver
until it no longer transmits or receives.
• To prevent permanent nickel-cadmium battery
power loss, do not charge the batteries at tem-
peratures below 14°F (–10°C) or above 131°F
(55°C).
• Do not overcharge batteries. Overcharging can
severely reduce the battery’s useful life.
Important: At the end of a rechargeable battery’s
useful life, it must be recycled or disposed of proper-
ly. Contact your local, county, or state hazardous
waste management authorities for information on re-
cycling or disposal programs in your area. Some op-
tions that might be available are: municipal curb-side
collection, drop off boxes at retailers, recycling col-
lection centers, and mail-back programs.
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CONNECTING AN ANTENNA
Your transceiver comes with a flexible rubber anten-
na that is ideal for most applications. However, the
transceiver’s BNC antenna connector makes it easy
to connect other types of antennas. Your local Radio
Shack store sells a wide variety of antennas. Choose
the one that best meets your needs.
Follow these steps to connect the supplied antenna.
1. Position the antenna’s BNC connector over the
antenna jack on the transceiver.
2. Slip the slot in the antenna connector over the
antenna jack’s tab on top of the transceiver.
3. Press down and turn the antenna’s connector
clockwise until it locks into place.
To use a mobile or base-station antenna, attach an
appropriate connector adapter (such as Cat. No.
278-120, not supplied) to the end of the antenna’s
cable. Then insert it onto the transceiver’s antenna
connector.
Warning: Use extreme caution when installing or re-
moving an outdoor antenna. If the antenna starts to
fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If
the antenna touches a power line, contact with the
antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause elec-
trocution and death! Call the power company to re-
move the antenna. Do not attempt to remove the
antenna yourself.
illustration
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USING AN EXTERNAL SPEAKER
Ina noisy area, an external speaker (suchasCat. No.
21-549) positioned in the right place might provide
more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s
1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into the transceiver’s SPK
jack. This disconnects the internal speaker.
USING AN EXTERNAL SPEAKER/
MICROPHONE
You can use an external speaker/microphone (such
as Cat. No. 19-310). Plug the speaker/microphone’s
connector into the transceiver’s MIC and SPK jacks.
illustration
illustration
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USING THE WRIST STRAP
You can use the supplied wrist strap to keep the
transceiver accessible. Hook the strap’s connecting
ring to the tab, as shown. Then simply slip the strap
over your hand.
USING THE BELT CLIP
Use the supplied belt clip to make the transceiver
easier to take with you. Use the two supplied screws
to attach the belt clip to the transceiver. Slide the belt
clip over your belt or waistband.
illustration
illustration
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OPERATION
Before you use your transceiver, you should know
how to use it effectively and courteously. “Operation-
al Hints” contains information that will help you get
more enjoyment from your transceiver.
RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS
AND ADJUSTING SQUELCH
1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise.
2. Rotate VOLUME clockwise until it clicks to turn
on the power. A channel number appears on the
display.
3. Press CHANNEL sor t to select the desired chan-
nel.
Note: If you press CHANNEL swhen you are
tuned to Channel 40, the channel selector
returns to Channel 1. If you press CHANNEL t
when you are tuned to Channel 1, the channel
selector returns to Channel 40.
illustration
illustration
illustration
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4. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable listening level.
5. To cut out background noise between transmis-
sions, wait until there is no signal on the chan-
nel, then slowly turn SQUELCH clockwise until
the background noise stops.
Note: Do not turn SQUELCH too far clockwise
because you might cut out weak signals, too.
6. To turn off the transceiver, turn VOLUME counter-
clockwise until you hear it click.
TRANSMITTING
We recommend you try receiving transmissions be-
fore you try to transmit.
Follow these steps to transmit.
1. Press and hold the talk button. appears on
the display, and the signal meter on the display
shows the output level. Hold the transceiver
about 2-3 inches from your mouth and speak
slowly and clearly in a normal tone of voice.
2. When you finish transmitting, release the talk
button.
T
X
illustration
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3. If you are transmitting to nearby units, press H/L
to set the output power to low output power, if
necessary. appears on the display.
If the other transceiver is farther away or the
receiving person complains of noise, press H/L
again to set it to high output power. disap-
pears from the display.
4. To turn off the transceiver, turn VOLUME counter-
clockwise until you hear it click.
TURNING ON/OFF THE LIGHT
Press LIGHT to turn on and off the display’s light. If
you do not turn the light off manually, the light auto-
matically shuts off in 5 seconds.
LO
W
illustration
LO
W
illustration
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LOCKING THE FUNCTIONS
Use the KEY LOCK switch to lock the transceiver’s
functions (except the talk button and LIGHT) to pre-
vent accidental program changes. Press KEY LOCK
so appears on the display.
To release the lock, press KEY LOCK again.
disappears from the display.
USING CHANNEL 9
For emergency call monitoring or transmitting on
Channel 9, just press CH-9. 9and appear on the
display.
Important! Channel 9 is reserved for motorist assis-
tance and for reporting emergency information about
accidents, hazardous road conditions, and so on. Al-
ways give emergency messages priority on Channel
9.
To release the transceiver from Channel 9, press CH-
9again. The previously selected channel number ap-
pears on the display.
Note: The KEY LOCK, WEATHER, and CHANNEL but-
tons do not work when CH-9 is pressed.
LOC
K
illustration
LOC
K
EM
G
illustration
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LISTENING TO THE WEATHER
BAND
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
has allocated 11 channels for use by the National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). NOAA broadcasts your local forecast and
regional weather information on one or more of these
channels in your area. We have preprogrammed
your CB with 10 of the U.S frequencies used by
NOAA. See “Channel Assignments.”
To select a weather broadcast, press WEATHER then
press CHANNEL sor t to choose between the 10 fre-
quencies. appears on the display.
Press WEATHER again to return to normal CB opera-
tion.
Note: The H/L and CH-9 buttons do not work when
WEATHER is pressed.
W
X
illustration
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OPERATIONAL HINTS
Like most activities, CB radio has its customs and
courtesies. The following tips will help you get the
most enjoyment from your transceiver.
COMMON USES FOR A CB
Business Uses
• Truck drivers and delivery personnel can learn
road and traffic conditions and get assistance in
locating destinations. A CB is also good com-
pany on those “long hauls.”
• On construction crews, a CB quickly pays for
itself when you are calling for additional materi-
als or coordinating the activities of different work
crews.
• For security officers, a CB is more than a conve-
nience — it is a must for both safety and effi-
ciency.
Personal Uses
• Keep in touch with home while driving to work, to
the store, or to a social activity. Let your family
know you are tied up in traffic or that you will
stop by the store on the way home.
• If you are a two-car (or more) family, CBs are
great for communicating with family members
while they are in their cars.
• Contact friends or neighbors — find out “what’s
happening” or plan a get-together.
• Ever have car trouble or run out of gas on the
highway? What an assurance it is to be able to
call for assistance!
• Camping, fishing, and other sports are more fun
with a CB. Locate a buddy or find out “what’s
cooking” back at camp.
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TRANSMISSION COURTESY
• Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission
before you ask for a break.
• If you do not receive an answer to your call after
a second attempt, sign off and wait several min-
utes before trying again.
• Do not hold down the talk button when you are
not talking. (This is called dead keying.)
• Assist callers with directions, information about
road conditions, and any other reasonable
requests.
MAXIMUM RANGE
The maximum range and quality of CB transceiver
transmissions vary depending on the following condi-
tions:
• The type and quality of antenna used
• The height of the antenna’s mounting location —
the higher the antenna, the better the signal’s
range
• The surrounding terrain — mountains and tall
buildings limit the range
• Weather conditions
• The number of nearby CBs operating on the
same channel
Note: Your transceiver’s transmission range is gen-
erally line-of-sight. To ensure maximum range, al-
ways keep fresh or fully-charged batteries in your
CB.
USING COMMON 10-CODES
Citizen’s band operators and CB users have largely
adopted the 10-codes for standard questions and an-
swers. These codes permit faster communication
and better intelligibility in noisy areas.
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