21-1573.fm Page 1 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM Cat. No. 21-1573 OWNER’S MANUAL Please read before using this equipment.
1-1573.fm Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM FEATURES Your RadioShack TRC-445 Deluxe 40Channel Mobile CB Radio with Weather Alert is a high performance CB that also lets you tune to local and national weather service broadcasts. This CB is perfect for recreational, business, or emergency use. You can call other people who have CBs at home, in their vehicles, or at camp sites.
21-1573.fm Page 3 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM WX/Alert Indicator — shows the CB is ready to receive a weather alert signal. RX/TX Indicator — shows whether the CB is transmitting or receiving. S/RF/SWR/CAL Switch — lets you quickly select the display for the RF/signal meter (radio input/output signal power strength, standing wave ratio of the antenna, or SWR calibration). Warning: Do not open your CB to make any internal adjustments.
21-1573.fm Page 4 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM CONTENTS Installation ............................................................................................................... 5 Mounting the Microphone Holder ....................................................................... 5 Mounting the TRC-445 ....................................................................................... 5 Connecting the Microphone ................................................................................
21-1573.fm Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM INSTALLATION MOUNTING THE MICROPHONE HOLDER Using a Phillips screwdriver and the supplied screws and washers, attach the supplied microphone holder to the CB’s left or right side either horizontally or vertically. Illustration Star Lock Washer (2) Small Screws (2) Cautions: • If you use the TRC-445 in a vehicle, mount it securely to avoid damage to the CB or vehicle or injury to anyone in the vehicle during sudden starts or stops.
21-1573.fm Page 6 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM 4. Attach the CB to the mounting bracket using the rubber washers and mounting knobs. Illustration Mounting Knobs (2) Rubber Washers (2) To disconnect the microphone, unscrew the locking nut and gently pull out the microphone plug. Caution: Never pull on the microphone cable. INSTALLING AN ANTENNA CONNECTING THE MICROPHONE Caution: To prevent damage to your CB, you must connect an antenna to it before you operate it. 1.
21-1573.fm Page 7 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM Connecting an Antenna Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna. Route the antenna cable to the CB, then screw the cable into the ANTENNA jack on the back of the CB. Illustration Cautions: • Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts that might damage it. • Do not run the cable next to power cables or other CB antenna cables.
21-1573.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM USING THE CB AS A BASE STATION Although this CB is designed for mobile use, you can also use it as a base station. For base-station installation, you need the following items. • 12-volt DC power supply (such as Cat. No. 22-504) Caution: Most 12-volt DC power supplies plug into a standard AC outlet to produce DC power. Before connecting your CB to a 12-volt DC power supply, read and follow the instructions included with the power supply.
21-1573.fm Page 9 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM CONNECTING OPTIONAL EXTERNAL SPEAKERS You can connect your CB to an external CB speaker and a public-address speaker. Note: When you connect an external or PA speaker, the CB’s internal speaker automatically disconnects. Public Address Speaker To connect a PA speaker to the CB, use an 8-ohm speaker cable capable of handling 5 or more watts of power (such as Cat. No. 40-1235 or 40-1236). Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8-inch plug into the CB’s PA SP jack.
21-1573.fm Page 10 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM ADJUSTING THE STANDING WAVE RATIO Most antennas are factory tuned. However, you can usually improve radio performance by tuning your antenna system to the CB’s RF output power using the SWR meter on this radio. Once you have installed the antenna according to its instructions, follow these steps to adjust the standing wave ratio to your equipment. 3.
21-1573.fm Page 11 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM STANDING WAVE RATIO CHART The ideal standing wave ratio (SWR) reading is a 1:1 ratio, or a meter reading of 1 on the SWR meter’s top scale (which you can usually get only in laboratory test conditions). A 1.5:1 to 2:1 SWR ratio is excellent for most mobile CB antenna applications. This chart explains the different readings you might see. Standing Wave Ratio Chart Ratios Rating Description 1:1 to 1.
21-1573.fm Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM OPERATION Before you start using your CB, you should know how to use it effectively and courteously. “CB Operation Tips” contains information that will help you get more enjoyment from using your CB. Caution: Do not attempt to use your CB without first connecting an antenna. TURNING ON THE CB AND RECEIVING TRANSMISSIONS 3. To turn on the CB, turn OFF/VOLUME clockwise until it clicks and continue turning until you hear a hissing sound.
21-1573.fm Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM 6. To manually tune channels, turn the tuning control at the right end of the control panel to select a channel. The channel number appears on the display, and the SWR/RF/signal meter shows the signal strength. Illustration Notes: • If you turn the tuning control slightly to the left or right, the TRC-445 rapidly scans down or up. • To quickly tune to Channel 9 or 19, set CH-9/NOR/CH-19 to CH-9 or CH-19. 9 or 19 flashes on the display.
21-1573.fm Page 14 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM Note: Do not speak too loudly when transmitting. It does not make your signal any stronger, and might distort your transmission. Illustration 3. When you finish transmitting, release the microphone talk button. The TX/RX indicator changes to green. The TRC-445 can now receive transmissions. 4. To turn off the TRC-445, turn OFF/ VOLUME counterclockwise until you hear it click.
21-1573.fm Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM Weather Alert In the event of severe weather conditions, the National Weather Service broadcasts a special signal tone (1050 Hz) that the TRC-445 sounds if it is turned on. When the radio receives this signal tone, the WX/ALERT indicator glows red in the CB or PA mode and orange in the WX mode. 4. Hold down the microphone talk button and speak into the microphone in a normal voice.
21-1573.fm Page 16 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM CB OPERATION TIPS Like most activities, CB radio has its customs and courtesies. The following tips will help you get the most enjoyment out of your CB. COMMON 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 company on those “long hauls.
21-1573.fm Page 17 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM 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. This table lists codes adopted by the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officers (APCO). Code Meaning Code Meaning 10-1 Your signal is bad. 10-17 En route. 10-2 Your signal is good. 10-18 Urgent. 10-3 Stop transmitting.
21-1573.fm Page 18 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM MAXIMUM RANGE Here are a few hints to help you reduce or eliminate such noise. The maximum range and quality of CB transmissions vary depending on these conditions: • Replace old ignition wires with new, high-voltage, noise-suppression wires. • The type and quality of antenna used • Install noise suppressors on your spark plugs, or install new spark plugs that have built-in suppressors.
21-1573.fm Page 19 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM TROUBLESHOOTING If your CB is not working as it should, follow the suggestions below to see if you can eliminate the problem. If you cannot, take the CB to your local RadioShack store for assistance. Symptom: Trouble with reception Check That: • The CB is turned on. • CB/WX/PA is set to CB. • OFF/VOLUME is turned up. • RF GAIN is adjusted properly. • The microphone is securely connected to the CB.
21-1573.fm Page 20 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your RadioShack TRC-445 Deluxe 40-Channel Mobile CB Radio with Weather Alert is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your TRC-445 so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the CB dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Use and store the CB only in normal temperature environments.
-1573.fm Page 21 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM REPLACING THE FUSES The TRC-445’s 2-amp fuses help protect your CB from power surges and short circuits. • If the red wire’s fuse is blown, replace it with a 2-amp, fast-acting glass fuse, such as Cat. No. 2701007. 3. If the fuse is blown, replace it. Caution: Make sure you replace the fuse only with another fuse of the same type and rating. 4. To close the fuse holder, push the fuse holder ends together, then turn either end clockwise.
21-1573.fm Page 22 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Channels ................................................................................................. 40 Channels Frequency Range ........................................................... 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz Power Requirements ........................ 13.8 V DC (12–16 Volts DC, Negative Ground) Dimensions .............................................................................
21-1573.fm Page 23 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM PUBLIC ADDRESS Output Power ............................................................................ 4.2 Watts (Maximum) Current Drain (at maximum power) ............................................................. 1.2 Amps WEATHER RADIO Frequency Coverage ............................................................................. 162.400 MHz 162.425 MHz 162.450 MHz 162.475 MHz 162.500 MHz 162.525 MHz 162.
21-1573.fm Page 24 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:22 AM Limited Ninety-Day Warranty This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack companyowned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.
