Radio Shack TRC-93 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL Cat. No. 21-1615
TRC-93
300 mW 3-Channel
Walkie-Talkie
Please read before using thisequipment.
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FEATURES
Your RadioShack TRC-93 300 mW 3-
Channel Walkie-Talkie is a portable, two-
way radio you can carry almost anywhere.
You can use your TRC-93 around the
house, in your office, or in your car or
boat. You can also use it on fishing and
camping trips, or at your business for su-
pervisory, security, or warehouse person-
nel.
Your TRC-93 has the following features:
Factory-Installed Crystals — let you im-
mediately begin using your TRC-93 on
Channel 14.
Three-ChannelOperation— comeswith
Channel 14 crystals installed, but lets you
install optional crystals so you can oper-
ate the TRC-93 on any two of the other 39
available CB channels. (See “Adding
Crystals” on Page 15).
Built-In Modulation Limiter Circuit —
automatically adjusts to a variety of voice
levels to ensure a clear transmission.
Telescoping Antenna — provides excel-
lent reception and transmission.
Battery Indicator — shows you the bat-
teries’ condition.
Removable Belt Clip — lets you attach
the TRC-93 to your belt for hands-free
carrying wherever you go.
Note: You need six AA alkaline batteries
(not supplied) to power your TRC-93.
©1997 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a trademark
used by Tandy Corporation.
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FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commis-
sion (FCC) does not require you to have a
license to operate this walkie-talkie. How-
ever, 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 TRC-93.
Internal adjustments and/or modifications
can lead to illegal operation as defined by
Part95of
FCC Rules . Suchillegaloperation
can lead to very serious consequences.
To be safe and sure:
• Never open your TRC-93’s case
except to install or change crystals.
• Never modify your TRC-93.
Your TRC-93 might cause TV or radio in-
terference even when it is operating prop-
erly. To determine whether your TRC-93
is causing the interference, turn off your
TRC-93. If the interference goes away,
your TRC-93 is causing it. Try to elimi-
nate the interference by:
• Moving your TRC-93 away from the
TV or radio
• Contacting your local RadioShack
store for help
Warning: Do not open your TRC-93 to
make any internal adjustments other than
installing or changing crystals. Any inter-
nal adjustments should be made only by
authorized service personnel.
We recommend you record the
TRC-93’s serial number here. The se-
rial number is located on the radio’s
back panel._________________
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CONTENTS
Preparation ......................................... 5
Installing Batteries ......................... 5
Testing the Battery Power ...... 6
Using the Belt Clip...........................7
Operation ............................................ 8
Receiving Transmissions .............. 8
Transmitting .................................. 9
CB Operation Tips ............................ 11
Common Uses for a CB Radio .... 11
Business Uses ..................... 11
Personal Uses ..................... 11
Using Common 10-Codes ........... 12
CB Courtesy ................................ 14
Maximum Range ......................... 14
Adding Crystals ................................ 15
Troubleshooting ............................... 19
Maintenance ...................................... 20
Specifications ................................... 21
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PREPARATION
INSTALLING BATTERIES
Your TRC-93requires sixAA alkaline bat-
teries (such as RadioShack Cat. No. 23-
552) for power.
Cautions:
• Always use fresh batteries of the
required size and type.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries in
the TRC-93.
Follow these steps to install batteries.
1. Remove the battery compartment
cover by pressing down on the
cover’s arrow, then sliding the cover
down.
2. To help remove the battery case, pull
the ribbon inside the battery com-
partment. Then lift out the case.
3. Insert six AA alkaline batteries into
the case, as indicated by the polarity
symbols (+ and –) marked inside the
battery case.
4. To replace the battery case, place it
on top of the ribbon.
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Notes:
• Be sure the case’s metal plates
touch the two metal plates inside
the battery compartment.
• The case fits inside the battery
compartment only one way. Do
not force it.
5. Replace the battery compartment
cover.
Note: If you will not be using the TRC-93
for several months, remove the batteries.
Testing the Battery Power
1. Make sure the TRC-93 is turned on
by turning OFF/VOL down toward
VOL until it clicks.
2. Press BATT TEST.
Metal Plates
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If the indicator lights, the batteries
are good. If the indicator is dim or
does not light, the batteries are weak
or dead and need to be replaced.
Caution: Dispose of old batteries prompt-
ly and properly.
USING THE BELT CLIP
To attach the supplied belt clip to the
TRC-93, press the clip’s tabs into the cor-
responding holes on the back of the TRC-
93. Then push the clip upward until itlocks
into place.
To remove the belt clip from the TRC-93,
use a flathead screwdriver to press the
tab under the clip and slide the clip down
to pull it out.
Tab
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OPERATION
Before you use your TRC-93, we recom-
mend you read “CB Operation Tips” on
Page 11, which contains information to
help you use it effectively and courteous-
ly.
RECEIVING
TRANSMISSIONS
1. Fully extend the TRC-93’s telescop-
ing antenna and hold the TRC-93 so
the antenna is vertical.
2. Set CHANNEL to A, B, or C.
Note: Your TRC-93 comes with
Channel 14 crystals installed in
channel position A. To use other
channels, you must first install crys-
tals in channel positions B and C
inside the TRC-93 (see “Adding
Crystals” on Page 15).
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3. Turn on the TRC-
93 by turning
OFF/VOL down
toward
VOL
until
you hear a click
and a hissing
sound.
Note:
You might not hear a hissing
sound if CHANNEL is set to Bor C
and you haven’t installed any crys-
tals in channel positions B or C.
4. To turn off the TRC-93, turn OFF/VOL
up toward OFF until it clicks.
TRANSMITTING
1. Follow Steps 1–3 in “Receiving
Transmissions” on Page 8.
2. Hold the TRC-93
2 to 3 inches
from your mouth.
Hold down PUSH
TO TALK on the
side of the TRC-
93 and speak in a
normal voice into
the microphone.
Microphone
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When you finish speaking, release
the button.
Note: Do not speak too loudly when
transmitting. It does not make your
signal any stronger, and might distort
your transmission.
Important: Channel 9 is reserved for
motorist assistance and for reporting
emergency information about acci-
dents, hazardous road conditions,
and so on. If you have installed the
necessary crystals in your TRC-93
and you are using Channel 9, always
give emergency messages priority.
3. To turn off the TRC-93, turn OFF/VOL
up toward OFF until it clicks.
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CB OPERATION TIPS
The following tips will help you get the
most enjoyment from your TRC-93.
COMMON USES FOR A CB
RADIO
Business Uses
• Truck drivers and delivery personnel
can learn road and traffic conditions
and get assistance in locating desti-
nations. A walkie-talkie is also good
company on those “long hauls.”
• On construction crews, a walkie-
talkie quickly pays for itself when you
are calling for additional materials or
coordinating the activities of differ-
ent work crews.
• For security officers, a walkie-talkie
is more than a convenience — it is a
must for both safety and efficiency.
Personal Uses
• Keep in touch with home while driv-
ing 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,
walkie-talkies are great for communi-
cating 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 assur-
ance it is to be able to radio for assis-
tance.
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• Camping, fishing, and other sports
are more fun with a walkie-talkie.
Locate a friend or find out “what’s
cooking” back at camp.
USING COMMON
10-CODES
Citizen’s band operators have largely
adopted the 10-codes for standard ques-
tions and answers. Theiruse permits fast-
er communication and better intelligibility
in noisy areas.
This table lists the codes adopted by the
Associated Public Safety Communica-
tions Officers (APCO).
Code Meaning
10-1 Cannot understand your mes-
sage.
10-2 Your signal is good.
10-3 Stop transmitting.
10-4 Message received and under-
stood.
10-5 Relay information to _________.
10-6 I am busy.
10-7 Out of service.
10-8 In service.
10-9 Repeat last message.
10-10 Negative (No).
10-11 _____________ in service.
10-12 Stand by.
10-13 Report ___________ conditions.
10-14 Information.
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Note: Although this table lists the 10-
codes’ meanings in the form of a state-
ment, they can also be phrased as ques-
tions (10-6: Are you busy?, 10-20: What is
your location?).
10-15 Message delivered.
10-16 Reply to message.
10-17 En route.
10-18 Urgent.
10-19 Contact __________.
10-20 My location is __________.
10-21 Call ________ by telephone.
10-22 Cancel last message.
10-23 Arrived at the scene.
10-24 Assignment complete.
10-26 Estimated time of arrival is ____.
10-30 Use caution.
10-31 Pick up.
10-33 Emergency traffic. Clear the
channel.
10-34 The time is _____.
Code Meanin
g
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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 minutes before
trying again.
• Do not hold down PUSH TO TALK
when you are not talking. (This is
called
dead keying .)
• Assist callers with directions, infor-
mation about road conditions, and
any other reasonable requests.
MAXIMUM RANGE
The maximum range and quality of CB
transmissions vary depending on these
conditions:
• Amount of power in the batteries
• The surrounding terrain—mountains
and tall buildings limit the range
• Weather conditions
• The number of nearby CBs operating
on the same channel
To ensure maximum range, always keep
fresh alkaline batteries in your TRC-93.
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ADDING CRYSTALS
Your TRC-93 includes two crystals (trans-
mit and receive) installed in channel posi-
tion A. The crystals let you use the CB on
channel 14. You can add two more crys-
tals in channel positions B and C so you
can use any two other channels of the 40
allotted to CBs. However, you must use
only crystals specifically designed for the
TRC-93, available from your local Ra-
dioShack store. Be sure to specify the
channel you want and the TRC-93’s cata-
log number (Cat. No. 21-1615).
Note: Channel A crystals are soldered in,
and can be replaced only by a qualified
technician.
The following chart shows the frequency
pairs (in MHz) for receiving and transmit-
ting on each CB channel.
Note: Receive crystals use a frequency
455 kHz lower than transmit crystals.
Channel Transmit Receive
1 26.965 26.510
2 26.975 26.520
3 26.985 26.530
4 27.005 26.550
5 27.015 26.560
6 27.025 26.570
7 27.035 26.580
8 27.055 26.600
9 27.065 26.610
10 27.075 26.620
11 27.085 26.630
12 27.105 26.650
13 27.115 26.660
14 27.125 26.670
15 27.135 26.680
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Note: A crystal is marked with its fre-
quency.
Follow these steps to change or install
crystals in your TRC-93.
1. Remove the battery compartment
cover by pressing down on the
cover’s arrow, then sliding the cover
down.
16 27.155 26.700
17 27.165 26.710
18 27.175 26.720
19 27.185 26.730
20 27.205 26.750
21 27.215 26.760
22 27.225 26.770
23 27.255 26.800
24 27.235 26.780
25 27.245 26.790
26 27.265 26.810
27 27.275 26.820
28 27.285 26.830
29 27.295 26.840
30 27.305 26.850
31 27.315 26.860
32 27.325 26.870
33 27.335 26.880
34 27.345 26.890
35 27.355 26.900
36 27.365 26.910
37 27.375 26.920
38 27.385 26.930
39 27.395 26.940
40 27.405 26.950
Channel Transmit Receive
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2. Remove the battery case.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove
the back cover’s two screws.
4. Firmly grasp the TRC-93’s front and
back cover’s sides and
carefully pull
the back cover away from the front
cover.
5. Insert a new matched pair of crystals
(send and receive) into the sockets
for Channel B or C.
The sockets for the crystals are
marked next to Channel A on the cir-
cuit board with X1 (receive) and X2
(transmit). The channel’s letter (A, B,
or C) is marked on the circuit board
above the pair of sockets used with
that channel. There is also a diagram
of the sockets on the inside back
cover.
Important: Be sure you install the
receive (R) and transmit (T) crystals
in their correct sockets. Do not
reverse the transmit and receive
crystals. If you do, the TRC-93 will
transmit and receive on frequencies
outside the citizen’s band, resulting
in illegal operation.
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6. When you have finished installing
new crystals, carefully fit the TRC-
93’s front and back cover’s sides
together, then gently squeeze them
together. Replace the back cover’s
two screws, replace the battery case,
then replace the battery compart-
ment cover.
(some circuitry
details left out
for clarity)
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TROUBLESHOOTING
If your TRC-93 is not working as it should,
follow these suggestions to see if you can
eliminate the problem. If you cannot, take
it to your local RadioShack store for assis-
tance.
Symptom Suggestion
Weak, bad,
or no recep-
tion.
Be sure the TRC-93 is
turned on.
Be sure the volume is
turned up.
Be sure the antenna is
fully extended.
Be sure the batteries
are not weak (see
“Testing the Battery
Power” on Page 6).
Be sure you are not
pressing PUSH TO
TALK.
Be sure CHANNEL is
set to Aif you have not
installed any more
crystals in the TRC-93.
Trouble with
transmis-
sion
Be sure the antenna is
fully extended.
Be sure you are fully
pressing PUSH TO
TALK.
Be sure the batteries
are not weak (see
“Testing the Battery
Power” on Page 6).
Be sure CHANNEL is
set to Aif you have not
installed any more
crystals in the TRC-93.
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MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack TRC-93 300 mW 3-
Channel Walkie-Talkie is an example of
superior design and craftsmanship. The
following suggestions will help you care
for your TRC-93 so you can enjoy it for
years.
Keep the TRC-93 dry. If it
gets wet,wipe it dry immedi-
ately. Liquids might contain
minerals that can corrode
the electronic circuits.
Handle the TRC-93 gently
and carefully. Dropping it
can damage circuit boards
and cases and can cause
the TRC-93 to work improp-
erly.
Use and store the TRC-93
only in normal temperature
environments. Temperature
extremes can shorten the
life of electronic devices,
damage batteries, and dis-
tort or melt plastic parts.
Keep the TRC-93 away
from dust and dirt, which
can cause premature wear
of parts.
Wipe the TRC-93 with a
damp cloth occasionally to
keep it looking new. Do not
use harsh chemicals, clean-
ing solvents, or strong de-
tergents to clean the TRC-
93.
Modifying or tampering with the TRC-93’s
internal components can cause a mal-
function and might invalidate your TRC-
93’s warranty and void your FCC authori-
zation to operate it. If your TRC-93 is not
performing as it should, take it to your lo-
cal RadioShack store for assistance.
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