Cobra FRS.200 Operating Instructions Manual - User Manual

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Family Radio

Service

Transceiver

“Ingenious Products for

Easier Communication.”

Operating instructions
for your

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

6500 W. Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 1

INTRODUCTION

This ultra compact, ultra clear 2-way handheld radio is a convenient way
for friends or family to increase their fun—and safety—by staying in touch
while on the go. All you need to do is select a common channel, push a
button on the side, and talk. It’s that easy and Cobra’s FRS 200 radio
works just as well indoors no matter what walls or structures are in the
way. Your new Cobra unit uses UHF (Ultra High Frequency) which mean
outstanding penetration through buildings, thick forests, hills, and other
dense structures. FM (Frequency Modulation) signal transmission means
crystal clear reception even in crowded environments. This is the first time
professional business band frequencies are available to the general public
with no costly license or air time charges.

FEATURES

-UHF FM Frequencies
-No License Required
-No Air Time Fees
-Up to 2 Miles Range
-14 User Selectable Channels
-Call/Ring Feature
-LCD Display
-Battery Saver Circuitry
-Auto Squelch
-Battery Low Indicator
-High Efficiency Antenna
-Wrist Strap

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help

Desk which can assist you by answering the most frequently

asked questions about Cobra products.

(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 - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.

Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked

Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to

productinfo@cobraelec.com

Family Radio
Service Transceiver

How to use your

CONTENTS:

Introduction ........................................3

Features ............................................3
Technical Support and service ..........3
Controls and Indicators ....................4

The FRS Story ..................................5
FCC Warnings ..................................5
Talk Range ........................................5

Included with your FRS 200 ................6
Getting Started ....................................7

Installing Batteries ............................7

Operation ............................................8

Turning your FRS Radio on ..............8
Auto Squelch ....................................8
Selecting a channel ..........................9
LCD Display Panel ............................9
To Talk/To Receive ..........................10
To Call/To Receive a Call ................11
Battery Low ....................................12
Auto Battery Save............................12
Volume Adjustment ........................12

Lighted Display................................13
Lock Key..........................................13

How your FRS Radio can serve you....14
Frequency Ranges ..............................14
Caring for your radio..........................14
Specifications ....................................15
Warranty Information ........................16
If You Think You Need Service ............17
Accessories ........................................18

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 3

THE FAMILY RADIO SERVICE STORY

The FCC (Federal Communication Commission) has created 14 high
quality, license free frequency bands, or channels for Family Radio
Service (FRS). Any of these 14 channels are easily accessed on your Cobra
FRS 200 with a single push of a button. These new UHF FM frequencies
provide you with ultra clear, high penetrating signals that allow high
quality communications in most environments. The FCC regulates the
amount of output power that any FRS (Family Radio Service) Transceiver
can have. The maximum output is 500mW power capacity. Your Cobra
FRS 200 is equipped with 500mW power to guarantee maximum distance
and full range capabilities.

FCC WARNINGS

Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes or other parts of
a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by Cobra, may
cause violation of the technical regulations of Part 95 of the FCC Rules, or
violation of Type Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules.

TALK RANGE

Your FRS 200 has been designed to maximize performance, however talk
range depends on the terrain. These are line-of-sight radios and although
this radio uses UHF frequencies, talk range will be reduced in dense
foliage and mountainous areas. Maximum range will be obtained in flat,
open areas.

1.  Antenna Connector
2.  PTT (Push To Talk) Key
3.  Monitor Key
4.  Channel Up Key
5.  Channel Down Key
6.  Lock Key
7.  Power On / Off
8.  Call / Light Key
9.  Volume Down
10.  Volume Up
11. LCD Display Panel

CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 5

INSTALLING BATTERIES

Insert (4) new “AA” Alkaline batteries (not provided) into the battery
cartridge. To install batteries, (1) remove the battery cover from the unit.
(2) Install the batteries according to the polarity markings provided on
the cartridge. (3) Slide battery retainer to center of battery cartridge.
Note: Incorrect battery installation can damage the batteries and
cartridge. Slide on Battery pack until secure.

Alkaline batteries:
Top grade Alkaline batteries should be used. (Not included)

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) Batteries:
Batteries with 700 mAh minimum recommended.
Only Top Grade NiCad should be used.

Note: You must charge NiCad batteries on a separate, remote charger.

INCLUDED WITH YOUR FRS 200

1. High Efficiency

Antenna

2. Wrist Strap

1. Remove battery cover

2. Install
batteries

3. Place battery
retainer in the center

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 7

LCD DISPLAY

All the information you need is provided from this LCD display panel.

SELECTING A CHANNEL

Turn on your FRS 200.

To select a higher channel, push the UP
arrow key.

To select a lower channel, push the DOWN
arrow key.

**Note: To quick advance channels, press and

hold the selection key.

SAVE

= Auto Battery Save feature indicator

LOCK

= Lock key indicator

BATT

= Battery low indicator

CALL

= Call indicator

BUSY

= Receiving incoming transmission indicator

= Transmitting outgoing communications indicator

= Volume level display

OPERATION

TURNING ON/OFF/AUTO SQUELCH

TURNING YOUR
FRS RADIO ON

Push and hold the power ON-
OFF key. The LCD display will
illuminate and an audible “Beep”
will be heard to indicate you
have turned the unit on.

TURNING YOUR
FRS RADIO OFF

Push and hold the power ON-OFF
key until the LCD goes blank.

AUTO SQUELCH

Your FRS 200 is equipped with
Auto Squelch. A unique circuit
design that keeps you from
hearing unwanted noise and
static. You can override the auto
squelch feature by depressing
and holding the monitor key.
Holding the monitor key will
allow you to hear weaker, distant
transmissions.

OPERATION

SELECT CHANNEL/DISPLAY

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 9

OPERATION

TO TALK/TO RECEIVE

TO TALK

To talk hold the FRS 200 mic about 2
inches from your mouth. (Be sure to turn
the volume down before you hold the
speaker up to your ear.)

Push the PTT button on the side.

Speak into the microphone in a normal
voice.
When you finish your communication
release the PTT button.

You can communicate with everyone
who has a radio set to your channel.
There is no limitation to the number of
people you can talk to.
The TX will be displayed during
transmissions.

TO RECEIVE A CALL

To receive incoming transmissions
release the PTT button. Your FRS 200 is
always ready to receive
communications when the PTT button
is released.
**Note: While the PTT button is
depressed, you cannot receive
incoming transmissions. The BUSY
icon is displayed when the radio is
receiving an incoming communication.

TO CALL/RING

Push and hold the CALL button until
a confirmation tone is heard.

The CALL icon appears briefly.

This will send a call signal to other
Cobra FRS-200 units on the same
channel within calling range. If you
do not believe your call was
received, wait 10 seconds and call
again. The other units may not be in
Battery Save mode.

TO RECEIVE A CALL

Your FRS 200 must be in BATTERY
SAVE mode before you can receive
a call.

* To place your unit in BATTERY
SAVE mode, do not push any
buttons for 10 seconds.

When another FRS-200 unit is
calling, you will hear a ringing
sound.

Just push the PTT button on the side
to answer the call.

OPERATION

TO CALL/TO RECEIVE A CALL

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 11

OPERATION

LIGHTED DISPLAY/KEY LOCK

LIGHTED DISPLAY

To illuminate the display push
the Call/Light key.

Display will illuminate for 5
seconds, then automatically turn
off to save batteries.

LOCK KEY

Lock all function buttons preventing
accidental actuation.

To lock the key pad push the lock key.

To Unlock, push the LOCK key again.

AUTO BATTERY SAVE

Your FRS 200 has a unique circuit
designed to extend the life of the batteries.
If there are no transmissions within 10
seconds, your FRS 200 will automatically
switch to battery save mode. The SAVE
icon will appear and power usage will be
reduced. Full power will be restored with
the push of any key.

**Note: The Auto Battery Save Circuit

will not effect your unit’s
ability to receive incoming
transmissions.

OPERATION

BATT SAVE/BATT LOW/VOLUME

VOLUME ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the volume, push the
volume up or down. You will hear a
“beep” with each change in volume.

The volume level is displayed with
a meter.

**Note: To quick advance volume

settings, press and hold the
Volume Selector Key.

BATTERY LOW

When your batteries get low, the
BATT icon will appear. Replace
batteries as soon as possible. See
Installing Batteries section.

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 13

FRS 200 SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL
CHANNELS

FREQUENCY RANGE

FRS - 462.5 to 467.7 MHz

FREQUENCY CONTROL

PLL (PHASE LOCK LOOP) SYNTHESIZER

OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE

-30° C TO + 50° C

MICROPHONE

ELECTRET, PUSH-TO-TALK

INPUT VOLTAGE

6 VDC, 4-AA

ANTENNA CONNECTOR

SPECIAL

METER

LCD DISPLAY, ICONS

SIZE

”H x 1

”W X 1

”D

WEIGHT

5 oz.

TRANSMITTER
POWER OUTPUT

500mW AT 6 VDC

MODULATION

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

300 - 3000 HZ AT -6 DB

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

50 OHMS, UNBALANCED

RECEIVER

SENSITIVITY

LESS THAN 1 uV FOR 12 DB SINAD

IF FREQUENCY

DUAL CONVERSION
1 ST - 21.4 MHZ, 2ND - 455 KHZ

AUDIO OUTPUT

110db/spl MAXIMUM AT 10 % DISTORTION

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

300 - 3000 HZ AT -6 DB

2ND IF IMAGE REJECTION

GREATER THAN 60 DB

ADJACENT CH. REJECTION

50 DB MIN.

FREQUENCY CONTROL

PLL (PHASE LOCK LOOP)

FREQUENCY RANGE

The COBRA FRS 200 transceiver represents one of the most advanced
FM two-way radios used. This unit features advanced Phase Lock Loop
(PLL) circuitry providing complete coverage of all 14 FRS channels
shown below.

FRS

Channel Freq

FRS

Channel Freq

FRS

Channel Freq

Channel

in MHz

Channel

in MHz

Channel

in MHz

462.5625

462.6875

467.6375

462.5875

462.7125

467.6625

462.6125

467.5625

467.6875

462.6375

467.5875

467.7125

462.6625

467.6125

CARING FOR YOUR RADIO:

To ensure maximum enjoyment and long life of your radio.

1) Handle it gently.
2) Keep it away from dust, moisture, and temperature extremes.
3) Clean it with a damp cloth. DO NOT SUBMERGE IN WATER.

Do not use harsh chemicals.

Modify or tampering with the radio’s internal components can cause
malfunction and might invalidate the radios warranty. If your radio is
not performing as it should, please call Cobra before taking it back to the
store direct at 773-889-3087.

DO NOT TAKE YOUR RADIO BACK TO THE STORE. Call 773-889-3087.

HOW YOUR FAMILY RADIO SERVICE
TRANSCEIVER CAN SERVE YOU

-Contacting a family member on the other side of the park
-Talk to your friend while biking or hiking
-Find your partner in a busy mall
-”Call” car-to-car while traveling
-Talk to your friends at the amusement park
-Coordinate a meeting spot with friends during a festival

Great for

any outdoor activity where you want to stay in touch!

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 15

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its COBRA 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 radios,
products or component parts upon delivery to the COBRA factory Service
Department, accompanied 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. For further details concerning procedures for obtaining
service, see the “If You Think You Need Service” section of the Owner’s Manual.
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 unautho-
rized alterations or repairs; 3) if the serial number has been altered, defaced or re-
moved; 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, consequential or other damag-
es; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of
installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitations may not apply to you.

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

6500 W. Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707

For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk which can assist

you by answering the most frequently asked questions about Cobra products.

(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 - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.

Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked

Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to

productinfo@cobraelec.com

If You Think You Need Service, Call 773-889-3087

“If your product should require factory service please call

Cobra first before sending your unit in. This will ensure the

fastest turnaround time on your repair.”

You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary
to furnish the following, in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair, proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction

or carbon or a sales receipt will be required. If you send the original receipt
it cannot be returned.

2. The entire product, including FRS unit must be sent in.
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 (to avoid loss

in transit) such as United Parcel Service (UPS), Roadway Parcel Service
(RPS) or First Class Insured Mail to Cobra Factory Service, Cobra
Electronics Corporation, 6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707.
Cobra is not responsible for units not received if package has not been
properly insured.

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 773-889-3087 for assistance.

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 17

NOTES

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

You can find these fine accessories at your local Cobra FRS dealer.

If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra

Order by phone:
Call 1-773-889-3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8a.m.-8p.m. M-F CST.
Order by mail or fax: Please fill out order form below, and mail/fax directly to Cobra.

Fax to:

1-773-622-2269

Please print clearly:

Name

Address (Not P.O. Box)

City

State

Zip

Credit Card No.

Exp. Date

Customer Signature

Circle One:

Visa

MasterCard

Discover

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.

★★

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 %

★★

Minnesota residents add 6%

★★

Ohio residents add 6%

★★

Wisconsin residents add 5%

Part No.

Cost Ea. X Qty. = Amount

CA-200-B

$19.95

212-001-N-001

$4.00

Amount

(Tax if applicable )

Shipping//handling $3.75

Total

Mail to:

Cobra Accessories Dept.

6500 W. Cortland St.,

Chicago, IL 60707

(Prices subject to change without notice.)

High performance
NiCad rechargeable
battery cell
212-001-N-001
$4.00 ea.
(4 required)

Rugged nylon holster
with metal belt clip
CA-200B
$19.95 ea.

FRS.200 Manual 9/22/97 9:04 AM Page 19

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