Ranger Electronic Communications TRE-SBMD CB TRANSCEIVER User Manual MANUAL TRE SBMD 2011 05 23
Ranger Electronic Communications Inc CB TRANSCEIVER MANUAL TRE SBMD 2011 05 23
Users Manual
TRE-SBMD
40 Channel AM Mobile CB Radio
With USB/ SD / MP3 Player
USER’S MANUAL
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CONTENTS
PAGE
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mounting The Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Ignition Noise Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tuning The Antenna for Optimum SWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
External Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Public Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Frequency Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Procedure to Receive And Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Alternate Microphone And Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Maintenance And Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
A Few Rules That Should Be Obeyed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
How Your CB Can Serve You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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SPECIFICATIONS A
GENERAL
Model TRE-SBMD
Channels 40
Frequency Range 26.965 ~ 27.405 MHz
Emission AM
Frequency Control Phase-Lock-loop (PLL) Synthesizer
Frequency Stability 0.001%
Temperature Range -30°C to +50°C
Antenna Impedance 50 Ohms
Antenna Connectors Standard SO-239 type
Input Voltage 13.8V DC
USB/SD Card Capacity USB 1GB/SD Card 2GB
Size 7- 7/16” (W) x 8” (D) x 2- 5/16” (H)
Weight 4.2 lbs.
TRANSMITTER
RF Power Output 4W
Spurious Emission -60 dB
Audio Distortion 10%
Frequency Response 300 to 2500 Hz
Microphone Dynamic
RECEIVER
Sensitivity for 10 dB (S+N)/N < 1.0 uV
Squelch Sensitivity < 0.5 uV
Image Rejection More than 65 dB
AGC Figure of Merit 100 mV for 10dB Change in Audio Output
Audio Power Output 3W @ 10% Distortion
Audio Response 300 to 2500 Hz
Audio Input 2V @ 10K ohms
AUX output 2V @ 200 ohms
(SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)
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INSTALLATION A
LOCATION
Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before starting the
installation. Select a location that is convenient for operation and does not interfere with
the drive or passengers in the automobiles, the transceiver is usually mounted the dash
panel with the microphone bracket beside it.
MOUNTING THE RADIO
The transceiver is supplied with a universal mounting bracket. When mounting the
bracket and radio to your car, make sure it is mechanically strong. Also provide a good
electrical connection to the chassis of the vehicle. Proceed as follows to mount the
transceiver:
1. After you have determined the most convenient location in your vehicle, hold the
transceiver with mounting bracket in the exact location desired. If nothing will
interfere with mounting it in the desired position remove the mounting bolts. Before
drilling the holes, make sure nothing will interfere with the installation of the
mounting bolts.
2. Connect the antenna cable plug to the standard receptacle on the rear panel. Most
transceiver antennas are terminated with a type PL-259 plug and mate with the
receptacle.
3. Connect the red DC power input wire (with the fuse) to +13.8V DC. This wire
extends from the rear panel. In automobile installation, +13.8V DC is usually obtained
from the accessory contact on the ignition switch. This prevent the set being left on
accidentally when the driver leaves the car and also permits operating the unit without
the engine running. Locate the accessory contact on most ignition switches by tracing
the power wire from the AM broadcast receiver in the car.
4. Connect the black lead to –13.8V DC. This is usually the chassis of the car. Any
convenient location with good electrical contact (remove paint) may be used.
5. Mount the microphone bracket on the right side of the transceiver, using two screws
supplied. When mounting in an automobile, place the bracket under the dash so that
microphone is readily accessible.
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INSTALLATION A
IGNITION NOISE INTERFERENCE
Use of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is normally limited by the presence of
electrical noise. The primary source of noise in automobile installation is from the
generator and ignition system in the vehicle. Under most operating conditions, when
signal level is adequate, the background noise does not present a serious problem. Also,
when extremely low level signals are being received, the transceiver may be operated with
vehicles engine turned off. The unit requires very little current and therefore will not
significantly discharge the vehicle battery.
Even though the transceiver has ANL and NB controls, in some installation ignition
interference may be high enough to make good communications impossible. The electrical
noise may come from several sources. Many possibilities exist, as variations between
vehicles require different solutions to reduce the noise.
ANTENNA
A vertically polarized, quarter-wavelength whip antenna provides the most reliable
operation and greatest range. Shorter, loaded-type whip antennas are more attractive,
compact and adequate for applications where the maximum possible distance is not
required. Also, loaded whips do not present the problems of high wind resistant imposed
by a full quarter-wavelength whip.
Mobile whip antennas utilize the metal body of the vehicle as a ground plane. When
mounted at a corner of the vehicle they are slightly directional, in the direction of the body
of the vehicle. For all practical purpose, however, the radiation pattern is nondirectional.
The slight directional characteristic will be observed only at extreme distances. A standard
antenna connector (type SO-239) is provided on the transceiver for easy connection to a
standard PL-259 cable termination.
If the transceiver is not mounted on a metal surface, it is necessary to run a separate
ground wire from the unit to good metal electrical ground in the vehicle. When installed in
a boat, the transceiver will not operate at maximum efficiency without a ground plate,
unless the vessel has a steel hull.
Before installing the transceiver in a boat, consult your dealer for information regarding
an adequate grounding system and prevention of electrolysis between fittings in the hull
and water.
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INSTALLATION A
TUNING THE ANTENNA FOR OPTIMUM S.W.R.
Since there are such a wide variety of base and mobile antennas, this section will strictly
concern itself to the various types of mobile adjustable antennas.
Because the antenna length is directly related to the channel frequency, it must be tuned
to resonate optimally on all channels of the transceiver. Channel 1 requires a longer
antenna than Channel 40 because it is lower in its frequency of operation.
Due to the various methods of adjusting antennas for proper S.W.R. we have chosen
what we think is the optimum method:
A. Antenna with adjustment screws (set screws).
1. Starts with the antenna extended and tighten the set screw lightly enough so that the
antenna can be lightly tapped with your finger for easy adjustment.
2. Set your transceiver to Channel 20. Press the PTT (push-to-talk) switch, and tap the
antenna (making it shorter). The S.W.R meter will show a lower reading each time the
antenna is tapped. By continuing to shorten the antenna, you will notice the S.W.R
reading will reach a low point and then start rising again. This means that you have
passed the optimum point for Channel 20.
Extend the antenna a short distance and again follow the procedure above. When the
lowest point has been reached, switch to Channel 1 and then to Channel 40 and compare
S.W.R readings. They should be almost equal.
NOTE
The proper setting is achieved when the SWR is 1.5 or
below, and when it has similar reading for channels 1
and 40.
B. Antennas which must be cut to proper length
1. Follow the same procedure as above but adjust the length by cutting in 1/8”
increments until a good match is obtained.
2. Be very careful not to cut too much at one time, as once it is cut, it can no longer be
lengthened. .
3. The whip is easily cut by filing a notch all the way around and breaking the piece off
with pliers.
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INSTALLATION A
4. If you’re having difficulties in adjusting your antenna, check the following:
a. All doors must be closed when adjusting the antenna.
b. Make sure the base of the antenna is grounded.
c. Check your coaxial cable routing (it may be pinched when routed into the car).
d. Try a different location in your car (keeping in mind the radiation pattern you wish.)
e. Is the antenna perfectly vertical?
f. Try a different location in your neighborhood. Stay away from large metal objects
when adjusting (metal telephone polls or light post, fences, etc.)
NOTE
The transceiver will operate into an SWR of 2 to 1
indefinitely and sustain an SWR of 2:1 for a maximum of
5 minutes at rated operating conditions.
EXTERNAL SPEAKER
The external speaker jack (EXT SP.) on the rear panel is used for remote receiver
monitoring. The external speaker should have 8 ohms impedance and be able to handle at
least 4 watts. When the external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker is disconnected.
PUBLIC ADDRESS
To use the transceiver as a public address system, connect an external 8 ohms speaker (4
watts minimum) to the PA. SP. jack located on the rear panel. Direct the speaker away
from the microphone to prevent acoustic feedback. Physical separation or isolation of the
microphone and speaker is important when operating the PA at high output levels.
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OPERATION A
FRONT PANEL
1. MICROPHONE JACK: Used to connect microphone for voice source.
2. RF GAIN CONTROL: This control is used to reduce the gain of the RF amplifier
under strong signal conditions.
3. MIC GAIN CONTROL: Adjusts the microphone gain in transmit and PA modes. It
controls the gain to the extent that full talk power is available several inches away
from the microphone. In the Public Address (PA) mode, this control functions as the
volume control.
4. DISPLAY SELECT: This is used in conjunction with the Meter Mode to select the
different types of meter to be used as a display.
5. DIMMER CONTROL: This Push Switch controls the level of brightness for the
display lamp and channel display.
6. REVERSE |__: This Push Switch has dual function; it is used to scroll back songs
from the Music List or to select previous track. In addition, this switch is used to scroll
back pictures from the USB stick or SD card.
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OPERATION A
7. PLAY/STOP SWITCH `/■: This Push Switch controls the play and stop function
for the MP3 Player.
8. NEXT/FORWARD SWITCH ``|: This Push Switch has dual function; it is used for
selecting or to skip to the next track from the Music List. In addition, this switch is
used to scroll forward pictures from the USB stick or SD card.
9. ON/OFF VOLUME CONTROL: This knob controls the volume and power to the
radio. To turn radio on, rotate the knob clockwise. Turning the knob further will
increase the volume of the receiver.
10. SQUELCH CONTROL: This switch is used to eliminate background noise being
heard through the receiver, which can be disturbing when no transmission is being
heard through the received. To use this feature, turn the switch fully counterclockwise
and then turn clockwise slowly until the background noise is just eliminated. Further
clockwise rotation will increase the threshold level, which a signal must overcome in
order to be heard. Only strong signal will be heard at a maximum clockwise setting.
11. TALKBACK CONTROL: Adjust this knob for desired volume of Talkback. This is
used to monitor your own voice. This feature can be used to compare TX audio from
different microphones.
12. RF POWER CONTROL: This control allows the user to adjust RF power output.
13. CHANNEL SELECTOR: This control is used to select a desired transmit and
receive channel.
14. SD Card Port: Accepts 4GB SD card for music or photo source.
NOTE: Do not use a USB stick with more than 4GB capacity or an SD card
with more than 4GB capacity as it will cause the display & the MP3 player to
malfunction.
15. USB Port: Accepts 4GB USB stick for music or photo source.
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16. EXT. SPK (STEREO): This jack accepts a 4 to 8 ohm, 5 watt external speaker.
When the external speaker is connected to this jack, the rear speaker is disabled.
This jack is only for MP3 music output.
17. MP3/CB SWITCH: This switch allows you to select one of the following operating
modes; MP3 Player or CB. In the "MP3" position, you can play the music stored in the
USB stick or SD card. In the "RADIO" position, the CB is activated.
18. FRONT PANEL METER: The Front Panel Meter allows the user to monitor signal
strength and RF output power.
19. AM/PA SWITCH: This switch allows you to select one of the following operating
modes: AM/PA. In the "AM" position, the CB radio is activated. In the PA position,
the radio acts as public address amplifier. Your voice will come out from the speaker
that is plugged into the PA. SP. jack on the rear panel. The transceiver will not operate
when you are in the PA mode.
20. ANL/OFF SWITCH: In the ANL position, the Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) in the
audio circuits is activated.
21. NB/OFF SWITCH: In the NB position, the Noise Blanker (NB) is activated. The NB
is very effective in eliminating repetitive impulse noise such as ignition interference.
22. CH19/NORMAL SWITCH: Channel 19 switch is used for instant access to
information channel 19.
23. CHANNEL DISPLAY: The channel display indicates the current selected channel.
24. TX/RX LED: The Red LED indicates the unit is in the transmit mode. The Blue LED
indicates the unit is in the receive mode.
25. ANT LED: This LED lights red when your SWR is higher than about 3:1. This is not
an exact indicator of 3:1 SWR, but it is an indication that you should check your
antenna and its components.
OPERATION A
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OPERATION A
REAR PANEL
1. ANTENNA: This jack accepts 50 ohms coaxial cable with a PL-259 type plug.
2. EXT. SP: This jack accepts a 4 to 8 ohm, 5 watt external speaker. When the external
speaker is connected to this jack, the built-in speaker is disabled. This jack is only for
CB radio output
3. PA SP: This jack is for PA operation. Before operating, you must first connect a PA
speaker (8 Ohms, 4W) to this jack.
4. DC POWER & 2 EXT SP: This jack accepts a 13.8V DC power cable with built-in
fuse. The power cord provided with the radio has a black and red wire. The black goes
to negative and red goes to positive. This jack also accepts two 4 to 8 ohm, 5 watt
externals speakers. The external speakers are only for MP3 music output.
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OPERATION A
FREQUENCY CHART
Channel Channel Frequency Channel Channel Frequency
1 26.965 MHz 21 27.215 MHz
2 26.975 MHz 22 27.225 MHz
3 26.985 MHz 23 27.255 MHz
4 27.005 MHz 24 27.235 MHz
5 27.015 MHz 25 27.245 MHz
6 27.025 MHz 26 27.265 MHz
7 27.035 MHz 27 27.275 MHz
8 27.055 MHz 28 27.285 MHz
9 27.065 MHz 29 27.295 MHz
10 27.075 MHz 30 27.305 MHz
11 27.085 MHz 31 27.315 MHz
12 27.105 MHz 32 27.325 MHz
13 27.115 MHz 33 27.335 MHz
14 27.125 MHz 34 27.345 MHz
15 27.135 MHz 35 27.355 MHz
16 27.155 MHz 36 27.365 MHz
17 27.165 MHz 37 27.375 MHz
18 27.175 MHz 38 27.385 MHz
19 27.185 MHz 39 27.395 MHz
20 27.205 MHz 40 27.405 MHz
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OPERATION A
PROCEDURE TO RECEIVE AND TRANSMIT
A. MICROPHONE
The receiver and transmitter are controlled by the push-to-talk switch on the microphone.
Press the PTT switch, transmitter will be activated, release switch to receive. When
transmitting, hold the microphone two inches from the mouth and speak clearly in a
normal voice. This transceiver comes complete with a low impedance dynamic
microphone.
B. PROCEDURE TO RECEIVE
1. Ensure that power source, microphone and antenna are connected to the proper
connectors before going to the next step.
2. Turn VOL knob clockwise to apply power to the radio.
3. Set the VOL for a comfortable listening level.
4. Set the MODE switch to the desired mode.
5. Listen to the background noise from the speaker. Turn the SQ knob slowly clockwise
until the noise just disappears. The SQ is now properly adjusted. The receiver will
remain quiet until a signal is actually received. Do not advance the control too far or
some of weaker signals will not be heard.
6. Set the CHANNEL selector switch to the desired channel.
7. Set the RF GAIN control fully clockwise for maximum RF gain.
C. PROCEDURE TO TANSMIT
1. Select the desired channel of transmission
2. Set the MIC GAIN control fully clockwise.
3. If the channel is clear, depress the push-to-talk switch on the microphone and speak in
a normal voice.
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OPERATION A
ALTERNATE MICROPHONES AND INSTALLATION
For best results, the user should select a low-impedance dynamic type microphone or a
transistorized microphone. Transistorized type microphones have low output impedance
characteristics. The microphones must be provided with a four-lead cable. The audio
conductor and its shielded lead comprise two of the leads. The third lead is for transmit
control and fourth is for receiving control.
The microphone should provide the functions shown in schematic below.
4 WIRE MIC CABLE
Pin Number Mic Cable Lead
1 Audio Shield
2 Audio Lead
3 Transmit Control
4 Receive Control
Fig. 1 Your transceiver microphone schematic.
If the microphone to be used is provided with precut leads, they must be revised as
follows.
1. Cut leads so that they extend 7/16" beyond the plastic insulating jacket of the
microphone cable.
2. All leads should be cut to the same length. Strip the ends of each wire 1/8" and tin the
exposed wire.
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OPERATION A
Before beginning the actual wiring, read carefully the circuit and wiring information
provided with the microphone you select. Use the minimum heat required in soldering the
connections. Keep the exposed wire lengths to a minimum to avoid shorting when the
microphone plug is reassembled.
Fig. 2 Microphone plug wiring
To wire the microphone cable to the plug provided, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the retaining screw.
2. Unscrew the housing from the pin receptacle body.
3. Loosen the two cable clamp retainer screws.
4. Feed the microphone cable through the housing, knurled ring and washer as shown
Figure 2.
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OPERATION A
5. The wires must now be soldered to the pins as indicated in the above wiring tables. If
a vise or clamping tool is available it should be used to hold the pin receptacle body
during the soldering operation, so that both hands are free to perform the soldering. If
a vise or clamping tool is not available, the pin receptacle body can be held in a
stationary position by inserting it into the microphone jack on the front panel. The
numbers of the microphone plug are shown in Fig. 3, as viewed from the back of the
plug. Before soldering the wire to the pins, pre-tin the wire receptacle of each pin of
the plug.
Fig. 3 Microphone plug pin numbers viewed from rear of pin receptacle.
6. Be sure that the housing and the knurled ring of Figure 2 are pushed back onto the
microphone cable before starting to solder. If the washer is not captive to the pin
receptacle body, make sure that it is placed on the threaded portion of the pin
receptacle body before soldering.
7. If the microphone jack is used to hold the pin receptacle during soldering operation,
best results are obtained when the connections to pin 1 and 3 are made first and then
the connections to pins 2 and 4. Use a minimum amount of soldering and be careful to
prevent excessive solder accumulation on pins, which could cause a short between the
pin and the microphone plug housing.
8. When all soldering connections to the pins of the microphone are completed, push the
knurled ring and the housing forward and screw the housing onto the threaded portion
of the pin receptacle body. Note the location of the screw clearance hole in the plug
housing with respect to the threaded hole in the pin receptacle body. When the
housing is completely threaded into the pin receptacle body, a final fraction of a turn
either clockwise or counterclockwise may be required to align the screw hole with the
threaded hole in the pin receptacle body. When these are aligned, the retaining screw
is then screwed into place to secure the housing to the pin receptacle body.
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OPERATION A
9. The two cable clamp retainer screws should now be tightened to secure the housing to
the microphone cord. If the cutting directions have been carefully followed, the cable
clamp should secure to the insulation jacket of the microphone cable.
10. Upon completion of the microphone plug wiring, connect and secure the microphone
plug in the transceiver.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
This transceiver is specifically designed for the environment encountered in base
installations. The use of all solid state circuitry and its light weight result in high reliability.
Should a failure occur, however, replace parts only with identical parts. Do not substitute.
NOTE
If the performance described in the OPERATION and
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT sections is not
obtained, review the operating instructions to insure that
proper procedures were followed.
FCC WARNING
All transmitter adjustments other than those provided on
front panel by the manufacturer must be made by or under
the supervision of the holder of an FCC – issued general
radiotelephone operator’s license.
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OPERATION A
A FEW RULES THAT SHOULD BE OBEYED
1. You are not allowed to carry on a conversation with another station for more than five
minutes at a time without taking a one-minute break, to give others a chance to use the
channel.
2. You are not allowed to blast others off the air by over-powering them with illegally
amplified transmitter power, or illegally high antennas.
3. You can’t use the transceiver to promote illegal activities.
4. You are not allowed to use profanity.
5. You may not play music in your transceiver.
6. You may not use your transceiver to sell merchandised or professional service.
HOW YOUR CB CAN SERVE YOU
1. Warn of traffic tie-ups ahead.
2. Provide weather and road information.
3. Provide fast help in event of emergency or breakdown.
4. Suggest good spots to eat and sleep.
5. Make long trips more interesting, and help keep you awake.
6. Provide direct contact with your office or home.
7. Make friends as you travel.
8. Provide “local information” to find your destination.
9. Help law enforcement officers by reporting drunk and reckless drivers.
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