Cobra Electronics FRS225A Face Held FRS Transceiver User Manual
Cobra Electronics Corporation Face Held FRS Transceiver
User Manual
How to Use Your Cobra
M i c ro Ta l k 2 - Way Radio
1
Features of This Product
• Two-way radio with
up to a 2 mile range
• 14 channels
• 38 Subcodes
• Backlit LCD
• Roger beep confirmation
tone
• Call feature
• SuperFlex™ antenna
• Water Resistant
• Speaker/Microphone
jacks
• Belt clip
• Wrist strap
• Lock Function
Contents
Features..........................................................................1
Family Radio Service................................................A1
FCC Warnings
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators................................................A2
Our Thanks toYou......................................................A3
Customer Support...................................................A3
Operating your microTALK
Battery Installation...................................................2
Turning On..................................................................3
Illuminating the Display ........................................3
Auto Squelch.............................................................4
Maximum Range Extender/Auto Monitor......4
Select Channel..........................................................5
Select CTCSS Subcode............................................5
Calling Another Party .............................................6
Talking To Another Party.......................................6
Roger Beep Confirmation Tone...........................7
Listening For Another Party.................................7
Lock Function............................................................8
microTALK Range.....................................................9
Making Life Easier And Safer...............................10
microTALKSNAP Removable Front....................11
External Microphone/Speaker Jack...................12
Caring for Your microTALK....................................14
Frequency Ranges .....................................................16
microTALK Specifications.......................................16
Limited TwoYear Warranty....................................18
Optional Accessories................................................19
Order Form....................................................................20
If You Think You Need Service.............Back Cover
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 1
Pull lock tab down
to remove battery
cover.
Insert three “AA”
batteries.Position
batteries according
to po l a ri ty marki n g s.
Operation
2
Note
Batteries are not included
with microTALK 2-way
radio.Always use 3 high
q u a l i ty AA alkaline batte ri e s
or optional batte ry pack
(sold separa te ly ) .
Only the Cobra NiMH bat-
tery (Part #FA-AA) pack
can be recharged.
Note
When batteries are low the
i n d i ca tor willb l i n k .
Note
Visit Cobra Electronics
( w w w. co b ra e l e ct ro n i c s. co m )
for information abo u t
optional batte ry pack and
d e s k t op charger acce s s o ri e s.
Install Batteries
Battery
Installation
1 2
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 2
Turn the On/Off/Volume switch. An audible
“tone”will indicate the unit is on.
Operation
3
Turning On Your microTALK
Note
Whenever the unit is on
you can receive communi-
cations.
Turning
On Your
microTALK
Illuminating the Display
Illuminating
the Display
1
1Push and release LIGHT/MAX RANGE
button to illuminate display for ten seconds.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 3
Operation
4
Note
To learn more about the
range of your microTALK,
see page 9.
Range is dependent on
battery condition and
geographic terrain.
Auto Squelch
Maximum
Range
Extender
Maximum Range Extender
Auto Squelch can be temporarily removed to allow
all signals to enter (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.
1Push and hold LIGHT/MAX RANGE
button to allow all signals to enter.
Auto Monitor
Auto Monitor
When the signal you want to hear is consistently
weak,you may place the radio in Maximum
Range mode without having to constantly hold
the button: Press and hold the Maximum Range
Extender button for five seconds.Two beeps
confirm Auto Monitor is on.To return to normal
operation,momentarily press the Maximum Range
Extender button again or change channels.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 4
Select any of the 14 channels by pushing the
channel up or down buttons.
Select Main Channel (1-14)
Turn on the microTALK 2-Way Radio.
Operation
5
Select
Channel
Note
Units must be on same
channel and subcode to
communicate.
Note
Channels 8-12 generally
are less used and give bet-
ter results for communica-
tions in most areas.
Note
Push and hold the channel
button for fast channel
advance.
2
1
Note
Selecting a CTCSS
subcode will allow you to
only hear conversations on
that selection. For
example, you may be with
a group of friends.If all of
you select channel 7 and
subcode 1, you will hear
your friends but will not
hear anybody else on
channel 7,subcodes 2
through 38.
Select CTCSS Subcode (00-38)
Press the mode butto n .After a short delay,s m a l l
n u m bers will flash next to the channel display
LCD indicating the subc h a n n e l .
Select CTCSS
Subcode
1
Select subcode number by moving the chan-
nel button up or down.
When the desired code is displayed push the
mode button and release.An audible tone will
confirm your selection.
2
3
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 5
2The TX / RX indicato r
will be displayed.
Note
Both units must be ON and
tuned to the same channel.
Your incoming “Call”signal
volume is dependent on the
unit volume s e t t i n g .
Operation
6
Calling Another Party
To alert another party that you wish to
communicate:
Talking To Another Party
Push and release CALL button.The unit
you are calling will hear a two second ringing
tone.
Calling
Another
Party
Note
While the TALK button is
depressed you cannot
receive incoming calls.
Talking To
Another Party
1
3 4
1
Release TALK
button and listen for
response.
Hold mic about 2 inches
f r om mouth.Speak in a
n o rmal vo i ce.
Push and hold
TALK button.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 6
Operation
7
Note
While the TALK button is
depressed you cannot
receive incoming calls.
Roger Beep
Confirmation
Tone
Listening For
Another Party
Roger Beep Confirmation Tone
LK
en for
Listening For Another Party
When finished talking:
Release TALK button to receive incoming
transmissions.
Your microTALK is always in listening mode
when the TALK button is not pressed.
Adjust volume by turning the On/Off Volume
Switch
1
Your listener will hear an
audible tone when you
release the TALK button.
This alerts the other party
t h at you are finished talki n g
and it’s OK for them to be g i n
t a l ki n g .
2
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 7
Operation
8
Lock Function
Note
Call button, Range
Extender button and Talk
button do not lock and are
fully operational while the
unit is locked.
The unit cannot lock while
in function mode.
Lock Function
The purpose of the LOCK function is to lock most
buttons to avoid accidental operation.
To engage the LOCK function:
Push and hold Lock button until
flashes.Channel up/down and Mode buttons
are now locked. An audible tone will also con-
firm lock function.
To“unlock”push and hold Lock button
until disappears.
1
2
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 8
Operation
9
Note
To achieve maximum
range the auto squelch
can be overridden. Refer to
Maximum Range Extender
section on page 4.
microTALK
Range
microTALK Range
Your micro TALK Radio has a range of up to2 miles.
This effective range can be shortened under
some conditions.
1. Under flat, open
conditions you
will experience
the microTALK’s
maximum range.
2. Range can be
reduced by
buildings and
foliage in the
path of the signal.
3. Range will be
further reduced by
dense foliage and
hilly terrain.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 9
Making Life Easier and Safer
10
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-Way Radios
Can Make
Life Easier
and Safer
1. Talking with fellow
hikers. 2. Keeping track
of the kids in a
shopping mall.
3. Communicating
between basement
and first,second or
third floor.
4. Talking to a
neighbor or a
friend.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 10
11
5. Checking on travel-
ing companions in
another car.
6. Agree on a meeting
spot after an event.
TO REMOVE:Use the
slight indentation
between the SNAP
front and bottom front
of the unit to lift it off.
TO ATTACH:First
engage the tabs into
the top of the unit.
Next snap in the mid-
dle tabs. Finally snap
in the bottom tab.
microTALK SNAP Removable Front
Your microTALK Radio comes with the new
microTALK SNAP removeable front.
microTALK
SNAP
Removable
Front
Also included is a convenient Belt Clip-Desk Stand,that
can be either attached to your belt or p l a ced on a desk
using the built-in feet in the base.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 11
E x t e rnal Microphone/
Speaker Jack
12
Note
External microphone/
speaker is not included with
the unit.See page 19 for
optional accessories.
External Microphone/Speaker Jack
Your microTALK 2-Way Radio can be fitted with
an external microphone/speaker,(not included)
freeing your hands for other tasks.
To attach the external microphone/speaker:
External
Microphone/
Speaker Jack
Open Spkr/Mic tab on top of unit.
1
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 12
E x t e rnal Microphone/
Speaker Jack
13
Insert plug into the Spkr/Mic jack.
2
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 13
Caring for Your microTALK Radio
The microTALK 2-Way Radio will give you years
of service if cared for properly.
Here are some suggestions:
Caring for Your microTAL Radio
14
Caring
for Your
microTALK
Radio
Note
Modifying or tampering
with the radio’s internal
components can cause
malfunction and will
invalidate the warranty.
If your radio is not perform-
ing as it should, please call
Cobra at 773.889.3087.
Do not return the unit to
the retailer. 1. Handle unit gently. 2. Keep away
from dust.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 14
15
o
3. Never place the
unit in water or in
a moist place.
4. Avoid exposure
to extreme
temperatures.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 15
microTALK Specifications
16
I.GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
A.FREQUENCIES
CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT
CH 1: 462.5625MHz CH 8: 467.5625MHz
CH2: 462.5875MHz CH 9: 467.5875MHz
CH 3: 462.6125MHz CH 10: 467.6125MHz
CH 4: 462.6375MHz CH 11: 467.6375MHz
CH 5: 462.6625MHz CH 12: 467.6625MHz
CH 6: 462.6875MHz CH 13: 467.6875MHz
CH 7: 462.7125MHz CH 14: 467.7125MHz
B.RECEIVER UNIT NOMINAL
1. SENSITIVITY
FOR 12 DB SINAD dBm -119
FOR CALL SIG.DETECTION dBm -121
2. MAX.AUDIO OUTPUT @10% THD mW 150
3. MAX.S/N RATIO @ 1mV RF INPUT dB 45
4. SQUELCH
a) SENSITIVITY dB m -121
b) ATTACK TIME mS 150
c) CLOSING TIME mS 200
5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESP.
@ 300 HZ dB -3
@ 2500 HZ dB -10
6. SIGNAL DISPLACEMENT BW +/-KHZ 5
7. ADJACENT CH.REJECTION dB 55
8. INTERMODULATION REJECTION dB 55
9. SPURIOUS RESPONSE REJECTION dB 65
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 16
C.TRANSMITTER UNIT NOMINAL
1. EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER mW 500
2. CARRIER FREQ.STABILITY +
_H z 500
3. MODULATION LIMITING KHz 2.5
4. CARRIER ATTACK TIME mS 30
5. AUDIO FREQUENCY RESPONSE
@ 300 HZ dB -10
@ 2500 HZ dB 4
6. AUDIO DISTORTION % 3
7. HUM NOISE dB 38
8. TRANSIENT FREQ.BEHAVIOR
a) TXON mS 30
b) TX OFF mS 5
D. POWER SUPPLY
1. BATTERY LIFE (1:1:18 RATIO) HR 24
2. BATTERY OPERATING RANGE V 3.2 - 4.5
microTALK Specifications
17
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 17
Limited Two Year Warranty
18
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its
COBRA FRS Radios, and the component parts thereof,will
be free of defects in workmanship and materials for period
of two (2) years from the date of first consumer purchase.
This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer
purchaser,provided that the product is utilized within
the U.S.A.
COBRA will,without charge,repair or replace,at its option,
defective FRS radios, products or component parts upon
delivery to the COBRA Factory Service Department,accom-
panied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase,
such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship
the product for warranty service,but the return charges
will be at Cobra's expense,if the product is repaired or
replaced under warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights,and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Exclusions:This limited warranty does not apply; 1) to any
product damaged by accident;2) in the event of misuse or
abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alter-
ations or repairs;3) if the serial number has been altered,
defaced or removed;4) if the owner of the product resides
outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
COBRA shall not be liable for any incidental,conse-
q u e n tial or other damages;i n c l u d i n g,without limitat i o n ,
damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installat i o n .
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclu-
sion or limitation of incidental or consequential dam-
ages,so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Cobra Electronics
Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago,Illinois 60707
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 18
Vox Headset Mic
VOX (Voice Operated
Transmitter) headset and
microphone allows
hands-free operation.
MA-VOX $49.95
Optional Accessories
19
You Can Find These Fine Accessories At Your Local Cobra Dealer
If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra.
Order by phone
Call 1.773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F CST.)
Order by mail or fax
Please fill out order form on next page,and mail/fax directly to Cobra.
Order over the Web
www.cobraelectronics.com
Ear Bud Mic with PTT
Co m p a ct earbud and micro-
phone with Pu s h - to - Talk switc h .
M A-EBM $29.95
Lapel Speaker/Microphone
Remote microphone/speaker
with Push-to-Talk switch.
M A- S M $ 2 4 . 9 5
Replacement Belt Clip
FA- B C 2 $ 4 . 9 5
2 Port Desktop Charger
Charges two NiMH battery packs
(FA-AA) or two FRS 225 radios.
(Note:appearance may vary)
FA- C S $ 1 9 . 9 5
NiMH Rechargeable
Battery Pack
High performance Nickel
Metal Hydride battery pack for
multiple charging.
FA-AA $ 1 9 . 9 5
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 19
Accessory Order Form
20
Please print clearly
Name
Address (No P.O.Box)
City State
Zip Telephone ( )
Credit Card No.
Exp.Date
Customer Signature
Circle One: Visa MasterCard Discover
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.Offer valid in Continental U.S.only.
For credit card orders fill out order form
and fax to: 1.773.622.2269
or call 1.773.889.3087
(Press 1 from the main menu)
8:00 am - 6:00 pm,M-F,CST.
Ma ke check or money order (no stamps)
payable to:
Cobra Electronics
Attn: Accessories Dept.
6500 West Co rtland St .Ch i ca g o,IL 60707
$25.00 and under $4.75
$25.01 - $40.00 $6.95
$40.01 - $80.00 $ 9 . 2 5
$80.01 - $120.00 $ 1 0 . 2 5
$120.01 - $160.00 $ 1 1 . 7 5
$160.01 and up $14.50
Amount Shipping/
of Order Handling
Shipping & Handling
For AK,HI and PR please
add an additional $15.00
for UPS shipments.
Subtotal
(Tax if applicable)
Shipping/handling
Total
Tax Table
Illinois residents add 7%
Cook Co. residents add .75% (7.75% total)
Chicago residents add 1% (8.75% total)
Indiana residents add 5%
Michigan residents add 4 %
Ohio residents add 6%
Wisconsin residents add 5%
M A - VOX Vox Headset Mi c $ 4 9 . 9 5
M A - E B M Ear Bud Mic with PTT $ 2 9 . 9 5
MA-SM Lapel Speaker/ Microphone $24.95
FA - A A NiMH Re c h a rgeable Bat te ry Pa c k $ 1 9 . 9 5
FA - C S 2 Po rt De s k t op Ch a rg e r $ 1 9 . 9 5
FA - B C 2 Re p l a ce m e nt Belt Cl i p $ 4 . 9 5
Item # Description Cost Ea. Qty. Amount
Prices subject to change without notice.
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 20
Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60707
Cobra Electronics Corp.© 2000
Printed in China.
Part No. 480-004-P
For te c h n i c al assistance, please call our Au to m a t ed Help Desk which can assist
you by answering the most fre q u e n t l y asked questions about Co b ra prod u ct s.
(773) 889-3087
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through this same number
8:00 am - 6:00 pm,Monday through Friday,CST.
Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section at
www.cobraelectronics.com or by e-mail to productinfo@cobraelectronics.com
If you think you need service call 1.773.889.3087
“If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before sending your
unit in. This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair.”
You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory.It will be necessary to furnish the follow-
ing in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction
or carbon of a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit.Include a typed or clearly printed name
and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4. Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or First
Class Mail to avoid loss in transit to: Cobra Factory Service,Cobra Electronics Corporation,6500
W.Cortland St.,Chicago,IL 60707.
6. If the unit is in warranty,upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or exchanged
depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us for
status.If the unit is out of warranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the
repair charge or replacement charge.If you have any questions,please call 1.773.889.3087 for
assistance.
IfYou Think You Need Service
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 21
2-Way Radio
O pe rating Instru ctions for your
Nothing comes close to a Co b ra ™
FRS 225
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 22
Family Radio Service
Ever wish you could talk to someone who wasn’t
within earshot? Like contacting ski partners back
at the lodge? Or letting a friend know how to find
you in a busy mall? Cobra’s microTALK FRS 225 is a
great way for friends or family to have fun and be
safe by staying in touch while on the go.
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
has created 14 license free frequency bands,
or channels,called Family Radio Service (FRS)
frequencies. These channels are in the UHF
(Ultra High Frequency) band which means great
penetration through buildings,thick forests, hills,
and other dense structures.They are also FM
(Frequency Modulation) signals which means
crystal clear reception even in crowded,noisy
environments.
FCCWarnings
Replacement or substitution of transistors,regular
diodes or other parts of a unique nature,with
parts other than those recommended by Cobra,
may cause a violation of the technical regulations
of part 95 of the FCC Rules,or violation of Type
Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules.
Included with your microTALK
1. Belt Clip
2. Wrist Strap
3. Two microTALK SNAP™ removable fronts
Family Radio Service
A1
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 23
Controls and Indicators
A2
1. Antenna
2. Microphone/Speaker
Jack
3. On/Off Volume Switch
4.L LCD Display Panel
5.? Light/Max Range Button
6. Channel Select Button
7. Speaker
8 . Battery Compartment
9. Talk Button
10. Call Button
11. microTALK SNAP
Removeable Front
12. Lock Button
13. Mode Button
14. Charge Pads
7
9
5
12
8
1 4
4
1
3
9
1 2 1 3
5
1 1
6
1 0
3
6
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 24
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra FRS 225 2-Way Radio.
Your microTALKradio comes with the new microTALK SNAP
re m ovable fro n t,which allows you to custo m i z e the appe a ra n ce
of your radio! Several color choices are included with yo u r
p u rc h a s e.For instru ctions on re m ov i n g the microTALKSNAP
front,see page 11.
For additional color choices available as acce s s o ries (sold
s e p a rate l y ), please see the broc h u re and order fo rm included.
Customer Support
Properly used,this Cobra product will give you years of reli-
able service.Should you encounter any problems with the
product or not understand its many features,please refer to
this owner’s manual. If, after referring to the manual, you still
need help,call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.
Warning
Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low
power transmitter.When the PTT button is pushed it sends
out radio frequency (RF) signals.The device is authorized to
operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%.In August 1996,
the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) adopted RF
exposure guidelines with safety levels for hand-held wireless
devices.
Important: To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF expo-
sure guidelines hold the transmitter at least 2 inches (5 cm)
from your face and speak in a normal voice,with the anten-
na pointed up and away.If you wear the handset on your
body while using the headset acce s s o ry,use only the supplied
belt clip for this product and ensure that the antenna is at
least 2 inches (5 cm) from your body when transmitting.If
the distance between that antenna and the body is LESS
THAN 2.0”(5 cm).DO NOT USE THIS DEVICE IN THE BODY
WORN CONFIGURATION.Use only the supplied antenna.
Unauthorized antennas, modifications,or attachments could
damage the transmitter and may violate FCC regulations.
Our Thanks to You
A3
Cobra Customer Service
Live operators are available
M-F 8:00 am - 6:00 pm CST
at: 773.889.3087
Automated Technical
Assistance available 24
hours a day, seven days a
week.E-mail questions to:
p rod u ct i n fo @
co b ra e l e ct ro n i c s. co m
Co b ra on the Wo rld Wi d e
We b : Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ) can be
found on-line at:
www.cobraelectronics.com
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 25
The Co b ra line of quality prod u cts
also includes:
• CB Ra d i o s
• Mi c ro Ta lk™Ra d i o s
• Radar De te cto r s
• Ac ce s s o ri e s
• Sa fe ty Al e rt™
Traffic Wa rning Sys te m s
Nothing comes close to a Co b r a™
FRS_225 3/2/01 3:23 PM Page 26