Radio Shack TRC-239 User manual

Cat. No. 21-1628
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-239
40-Channel, 4-Watt
CB Walkie-Talkie
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FEATURES
Your RadioShack TRC-239 40-Channel, 4-Watt CB
Walkie-Talkie is a portable, easy-to-use, two-way ra-
dio that you can carry almost anywhere. It will give
you reliable communications in many different appli-
cations.
You can use your TRC-239 around the house, in
your office, car or boat or anywhere on the go. It is
useful on fishing and camping trips. Or in your busi-
ness for security patrols, for supervisors, or ware-
house personnel.
Its features include:
Maximum Allowable Power — lets you transmit at
the maximum legal level for the best range possible.
Flex Antenna — lets you transmit conveniently in
confined quarters.
Selectable Transmit Power — lets you adjust the
output power to save battery power during short-
range transmissions.
TX/BATT (Transmit/Battery Low) Indicator —
lights when the TRC-239 transmits and when you
should replace or recharge the batteries.
Long Battery Life — reduces the need for replace-
ment or recharging. Extends your talk-time.
Built-in Charging Jack — lets you recharge option-
al nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) or nickel-metal hydride
(Ni-MH) batteries inside the TRC-239.
©2000 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack and Adaptaplug are registered trademarks
used by Tandy Corporation.
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Rotary Volume and Squelch Controls —mean
faster, easier operation under virtually any condition.
Automatic Modulation Limiter — prevents over-
modulation to ensure a clear sound.
Automatic Noise Limiter — reduces noise caused
by nearby electrical equipment such as motors or au-
tomotive ignition systems.
CHARGE Indicator — lights to indicate that the
TRC-239 is charging your optional rechargeable bat-
teries.
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FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
does not require you to have a license to operate this
CB. However, the FCC does require that you read
and know Part 95 of
FCC Rules
. These rules apply to
the operation of a Class D CB. We have provided a
copy of these regulations with your CB.
Warning: Do not open your CB to make any internal
adjustments. Any internal adjustments can be made
only by an authorized service technician.
Unauthorized internal adjustments and/or modifica-
tions can lead to illegal operation as defined by Part
95 of FCC Rules. Such illegal operation can lead to
very serious consequences. To be safe and sure:
• Never open your CB’s case.
• Never modify 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 off your CB.
If the interference goes away, your CB is causing it.
Try to eliminate the interference by either moving
your CB away from the receiver or contacting your lo-
cal RadioShack store for help. If you cannot elimi-
nate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop
using your CB.
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CONTENTS
Preparation ........................................................... 6
Powering the CB ............................................. 6
Using the POWER Jack and
NI/AL Switch ............................................ 6
Using Batteries ............................................... 7
Using Non-Rechargeable Batteries ......... 7
Using Rechargeable Batteries ................. 8
Charging Tips .......................................... 9
Using Vehicle Battery Power ........................ 10
Using AC Power ............................................ 11
Connecting the Antenna ............................... 12
Connecting an Optional Antenna .......... 13
Operation ............................................................ 15
Receiving Transmissions and
Adjusting Squelch ......................................... 15
Transmitting .................................................. 15
CB Operation Tips ............................................. 17
Typical Uses For a CB Radio ....................... 17
Business Uses ...................................... 17
Personal Uses ....................................... 17
CB Courtesy .......................................... 18
Using Common 10-Codes ................................. 19
Maximum Range .......................................... 21
Care and Maintenance ....................................... 22
Specifications .................................................... 23
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PREPARATION
POWERING THE CB
You can power your TRC-239 from any of these
sources:
• internal batteries (not supplied)
• vehicle battery power (using an optional
adapter)
• household AC power (using an optional adapter)
Using the POWER Jack and NI/AL
Switch
The POWER jack lets you connect an external power
source (such as your vehicle’s battery) or an external
AC adapter (not supplied), or an external charger
(not supplied) to charge rechargeable batteries (not
supplied) while they are in the TRC-239. Before con-
necting anything to POWER, you must set NI/AL cor-
rectly.
Follow these steps to set NI/AL.
1. Slide the battery compartment cover in the direc-
tion of the arrow to remove it.
2. Remove any installed batteries.
3. Set NI/AL as follows:
• Set it to AL to use alkaline batteries.
NI
AL
R
SERIAL
NUMBER
FOR RADIOSHACK. A DIVISION OF TANDY
CUSTOM MANUFACTURED IN THAILAND
CORPORATION. FORT WORTH. TEXAS 76102
FCC ID: AAO2101678
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and including interference that may cause undesired operation. (2) this device must accept any interference received, Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
AA
AAAA
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•Set
NI/AL to NI to use rechargeable batteries
inside the TRC-239
Warning: To avoid injuring yourself or damaging the
TRC-239, connect a battery charger to POWER only
when using Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries.
USING BATTERIES
Your TRC-239 can use 9 AA batteries (not supplied)
for power. For the best performance and longest life,
we recommend RadioShack non-rechargeable alka-
line or rechargeable nickel-cadmium/nickel-metal hy-
dride batteries.
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types
of batteries (standard, alkaline, or recharge-
able), or rechargeable batteries of different
capacities or type.
Using Non-Rechargeable Batteries
Follow these steps to install non-rechargeable batter-
ies.
1. Slide the battery compartment cover in the direc-
tion of the arrow to remove it.
2. Place the batteries in the compartment as indi-
cated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked
inside.
3. Replace the cover.
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When the TX/BATT indicator lights steadily or the
TRC-239 stops operating properly, replace the bat-
teries.
Warning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and
properly. Do not burn or bury them.
Caution: If you do not plan to use the TRC-239 with
internal batteries for several months, remove the bat-
teries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy
electronic parts.
Using Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries come fully discharged. Be-
fore you use them for the first time, you must charge
them. You can charge the batteries while they are in
the battery compartment using a battery charger,
such as RadioShack Cat. No. 23-349 (not supplied).
Or you can use an optional external battery charger
(not supplied).
Warning: Do not try to charge non-rechargeable bat-
teries. They might get very hot and they could ex-
plode.
Follow these steps to charge nickel-cadmium or
nickel-metal hydride batteries in the TRC-239’s bat-
tery compartment.
1. Rotate VOLUME upward until it clicks.
2. Set the battery charger’s Ni-Cd/Ni-MH selector
switch to the appropriate position.
3. Insert the charger's barrel plug into the TRC-
239’s
POWER jack.
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4. Plug the charger's other end into a standard AC
outlet.
It takes 14–16 hours to recharge Ni-MH batter-
ies or 7–8 hours to recharge Ni-Cd batteries that
are fully discharged.
5. When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the
charger from the AC outlet, then disconnect the
charger from the CB.
Charging Tips
• Fully discharge Ni-Cd batteries occasionally by
using the TRC-239 until the TX/BATT indicator
lights, then fully recharge the batteries. This
helps restore and maintain the ability of the bat-
teries to take a maximum charge. (This does not
apply to Ni-MH batteries.)
• To prevent damage to rechargeable batteries,
never charge them in an area where the temper-
ature is above 122°F (50°C) or below 32°F
(0°C).
• Do not overcharge batteries. Overcharging can
severely reduce the batteries’ useful life.
• Always disconnect the charger's AC plug before
you disconnect the barrel plug.
Important: This CB can use nickel-
cadmium rechargeable batteries. At
the end of a nickel-cadmium bat-
tery's useful life, it must be recycled
or disposed of properly. Contact
your local, county, or state hazard-
ous waste management authorities
for information on recycling or disposal programs in
your area or call 1-800-843-7422. Some options that
1
-
8
0
0
-
8
4
3
-
7
4
2
2
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might be available are: municipal curbside collection,
drop-off boxes at retailers such as your local Ra-
dioShack store, recycling collection centers, and
mail-back programs.
USING VEHICLE BATTERY
POWER
You can power the TRC-239 from a vehicle’s 12V
power source (such as cigarette-lighter socket) using
a fused DC power cord that ends in a size M Adapta-
plug® adapter (neither supplied). Both are available
at your local RadioShack store.
Cautions:
You must use a power source that
supplies 13.8 volts (12-volt nominal) at
1300 mA. Its center tip must be set to
positive and its plug must fit the TRC-239's
POWER jack. Using a power source that does
not meet these specifications could damage the
TRC-239 or the power cord.
• Always connect the fused power cord to the
TRC-239 before you connect it to the power
source. When you finish, disconnect the fused
power cord from the power source before you
disconnect it from the TRC-239.
If batteries are installed, make sure NI/AL inside the
battery compartment is set to the correct position
(see “Using Batteries” on Page 7).
!
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Follow these steps to connect the TRC-239 to your
vehicle’s battery power.
1. Plug the power cord’s Adaptaplug into the TRC-
239’s POWER jack.
2. Connect the other end of the power cord to your
vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.
USING AC POWER
You can power the TRC-239 using an optional DC
power supply that provides 13.8 volts (12-volt nomi-
nal) at 1300 mA. You also need a fused power cord
that ends in a size M Adaptaplug adapter (neither
supplied). Both are available at your local Ra-
dioShack store.
Cautions:
You must use a power supply that sup-
plies 13.8V DC and delivers at least
1300 mA. Its fused connecting cord’s
center tip must be set to positive and its plug
must fit the TRC-239's POWER jack. Using a
power supply that does not meet these specifi-
cations could damage the TRC-239, the power
cord, or the power supply.
• Always connect the power supply to the TRC-
239 before you connect it to AC power. When
VOLUME SQUELCH
DC13.8V
CHARGE
HI
LO
PWR
MIC
TX/BATT
CHARGE
CITIZENS BAND TRANSCEIVER
!
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you finish, disconnect the power supply from AC
power before you disconnect the power cord
from the TRC-239.
If batteries are installed for portable use, make sure
NI/AL inside the battery compartment is set to the
correct position (see “Using Batteries” on Page 7).
Follow these steps to connect the TRC-239 to AC
power.
1. Connect the Adaptaplug adapter to the power
supply’s cord, setting TIP to + (positive).
2. Plug the barrel plug into the TRC-239's POWER
jack.
3. Connect the other end of the power cord to your
vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.
4. Plug the power supply into a standard AC outlet,
then turn on the power supply before you turn on
the TRC-239.
CONNECTING THE ANTENNA
Caution: To prevent damage to your TRC-239, you
must connect an antenna before you operate it.
Follow these steps to attach the supplied flexible an-
tenna to your TRC-239.
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1. Align the slots around the antenna’s connector
with the tabs on the antenna jack on top of the
TRC-239.
2. Press the antenna down over the jack and turn
the antenna’s base clockwise until it locks.
To remove the antenna, turn the antenna’s base
counterclockwise until it unlocks, then lift it off the an-
tenna jack.
Connecting an Optional Antenna
The TRC-239 comes with a flexible antenna
(equipped with a BNC connector) that is ideal for
most applications. However, the BNC connector
makes it easy to connect other types of antennas,
too. For mobile or base station use, you might want
to connect an optional external antenna. Your local
RadioShack store carries a wide selection of external
mobile or outdoor base station antennas. Choose the
one that best meets your needs.
When deciding on a mobile or base station antenna
and its location, consider the following:
• The location of the antenna should be as high as
possible.
• The antenna and antenna cable should be as far
as possible from sources of electrical noise
(appliances, other radios, and so on).
• The antenna should be vertical for the best per-
formance.
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Note: When connecting an optional antenna, always
use 50-ohm coaxial cable such as RG-58. For
lengths over 50 feet, use low-loss RG-8 coaxial ca-
ble. When the cable terminates in a PL-259 connec-
tor, obtain an adapter to fit the BNC connector.
Follow the installation instructions supplied with the
antenna, route the antenna cable to the TRC-239,
then connect it to the antenna jack.
Cautions:
• Do not run the cable over sharp edges or mov-
ing parts.
• Do not run the cable next to power cables or
other CB antenna cables.
• Do not run the cable through a vehicle’s engine
compartment or other areas that produce
extreme heat.
• Follow all cautions and warnings included with
the antenna.
Warning: When installing or removing a base station
CB antenna, use extreme caution. If the antenna
starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power
lines. If the antenna touches the power line, contact
with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can
cause electrocution and death! Call the power com-
pany to remove the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do
so yourself.
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OPERATION
Before you start using your TRC-239, we recom-
mend you read “CB Operation Tips” on Page 17,
which contains information to help you use the TRC-
239 effectively and courteously.
RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS
AND ADJUSTING SQUELCH
Caution: Before receiving or transmitting, always
connect the antenna.
1. Rotate SQUELCH fully towards the top of the CB.
2. Rotate VOLUME toward the bottom of the CB
until it clicks. The CB turns on and a channel
appears. Increase the volume to a comfortable
listening level. (You might hear a hiss if there is
no signal on the selected channel.)
3. Press CH
9
or
8
until the desired channel
appears on the display. To move rapidly through
the channels, hold down
9
or
8
.
4. Rotate SQUELCH toward the bottom of the TRC-
239 until any hiss just stops. This lets you hear
transmissions without background noise. Rotat-
ing the control further decreases the TRC-239’s
sensitivity to incoming signals.
5. To turn off the TRC-239, rotate VOLUME upward
until it clicks.
TRANSMITTING
1. Follow Steps 1–4 in “Receiving Transmissions
and Adjusting Squelch.”
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2.
Based on your desired transmitting range, set
the power level as follows
.
• To increase the transmitted signal strength
and the TRC-239's range, set PWR HI/LO to
HI.
• To decrease the transmitted signal strength
(to prevent overloading a nearby CB) and
save battery power, set PWR HI/LO to LO.
3. Hold the CB 2 to 3 inches from your mouth. Hold
down PTT (push to talk) and speak into the
microphone on the front of the CB in a normal
voice. TX/BATT lights.
4. When you finish speaking, release PTT.
Important! Channels 9 and 19 are reserved for
motorist assistance and for reporting emergency
information about accidents, hazardous road
conditions, and so on. Always give emergency
communications priority on Channels 9 and 19.
5. To turn off the TRC-239, rotate VOLUME upward
until it clicks.
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CB OPERATION TIPS
Like most activities, CB radio users have customs
and courtesies. The following tips will help you get
the most enjoyment out of your CB.
TYPICAL USES FOR A CB RADIO
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 these “long hauls.”
• Used by construction crews, a CB quickly pays
for itself when you are calling for additional
materials or coordinating the activities of differ-
ent 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-or-more car family, CBs are
great for inter-car communications while family
members are going places.
• Contact friends or neighbors — find out “what's
happening” or plan a get-together.
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• Ever have car trouble or run out of gas on the
highway? With your CB you can have peace of
mind knowing you can call for assistance.
• Camping, fishing, and other sports are more fun
with a CB. Keep in touch with a buddy or find out
“what's cooking” back at camp.
CB 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 PTT, called “dead keying”,
when you are not talking.
• Assist callers with directions, information about
road conditions, and any other reasonable
requests.
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USING COMMON 10-CODES
Citizen’s Band operators have largely adopted the
10-codes for standard questions and answers.
These codes permit faster communication and better
intelligibility in noisy areas. While not all codes are
listed, most of the more popular ones follow.
Code Meaning
10-1 Receiving poorly.
10-2 Receiving well.
10-3 Stop transmitting.
10-4 OK, message received.
10-5 Relay message.
10-6 Busy, please stand by.
10-7 Out of service.
10-8 In service
10-9 Repeat message.
10-10 Transmission com-
pleted, standing by.
10-11 Talking to rapidly.
10-12 Visitors present.
10-13 Advise Weather/Road
conditions.
10-17 Urgent business.
10-18 Anything for us?
10-19 Nothing for you. Return
to base.
10-20 My location is____.
10-21 Call by telephone.
10-22 Report in person
to____.
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Note: Although this table lists the 10-codes’ mean-
ings in the form of a statement, they can also be
phrased as questions (10-6: Are you busy?, 10-20:
What is your location?).
10-23 Please stand by.
10-25 Can you contact____.
10-26 Disregard last informa-
tion.
10-27 I am moving to
channel____.
10-28 Identify your station.
10-32 I will give you a radio
check.
10-33 Emergency traffic.
10-36 Correct time is____.
10-37 Wrecker needed
at____.
10-38 Ambulance needed
at______
10-41 Please turn to
channel_____.
10-42 Traffic accident
at_____.
10-43 Traffic tie-up at____.
10-50 Break channel.
10-62 Unable to copy; use
telephone.
10-70 Fire at_____.
Code Meaning
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