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Cat. No. 21-1586
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-442
Full-Power 40-Channel
Mobile CB Radio
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Your CB radio might cause TV or ra-
dio interference even when it is oper-
ating properly. To determine whether
your CB radio is causing the interfer-
ence, turn off your CB. If the interfer-
ence goes away, your CB radio is
causing it. Try to eliminate the interfer-
ence by:
FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC) does not require you to
have a license to operate this CB ra-
dio. However, you must know Part 95
of FCC Rules. It explains the proper
operation of a Class D citizen’s band
transceiver. We have provided a copy
of these regulations with your CB ra-
dio.
• Moving your CB radio away from
the receiver
• Contacting
your
local
Ra-
dioShack store for help
Warning: Do not open your CB to
make any internal adjustments. Any
internal adjustments can be made
only by an authorized service techni-
cian.
If you cannot eliminate the interfer-
ence, the FCC requires that you stop
using your CB radio.
This device complies with Part 15 of
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this de-
vice may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Internal adjustments and/or modifica-
tions can lead to illegal operation as
defined by Part 95 of FCC Rules.
Such illegal operation can lead to very
serious consequences.
To be safe and sure:
• Never open your CB radio’s case.
• Never change or replace anything
in your CB radio.
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CONTENTS
Installation ............................................................................................................ 5
Attaching the Microphone Holder .................................................................... 5
Mounting the TRC-442 .................................................................................... 5
Connecting the Microphone ............................................................................. 7
Installing an Antenna ....................................................................................... 7
Selecting an Antenna ................................................................................ 7
Connecting an Antenna ............................................................................ 7
Using Vehicle Battery Power ........................................................................... 8
Using the CB as a Base Station ...................................................................... 9
Operation ............................................................................................................ 10
Turning On the CB and Receiving Transmissions ......................................... 10
Transmitting ................................................................................................... 11
CB Operation Tips .............................................................................................. 12
Common Uses for a CB Radio ...................................................................... 12
Business Uses ........................................................................................ 12
Personal Uses ......................................................................................... 12
CB Courtesy .................................................................................................. 12
Using Common 10-Codes ............................................................................. 13
Maximum Range ........................................................................................... 14
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 15
Reducing Noise ............................................................................................. 16
Care and Maintenance ....................................................................................... 17
Replacing the Fuse ........................................................................................ 18
Specifications ..................................................................................................... 19
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INSTALLATION
3. Attach the holder at the mounting
location using the supplied mount-
ing screws, lockwashers, wash-
ers, and nuts.
ATTACHING THE
MICROPHONE HOLDER
You can connect the microphone hold-
er to the right side of the transceiver or
to another location in your vehicle.
To attach the holder to the transceiver,
secure it with the supplied mounting
screws and lockwashers.
MOUNTING THE TRC-442
The most common mounting location
for this CB is under a vehicle’s dash-
board. However, if you use the TRC-
442 as a base station, you can place it
on a desk, shelf, or table. See “Using
the CB as a Base Station” on Page 9.
To attach the holder to another loca-
tion in the vehicle, such as the dash-
board, follow these steps.
1. Using the holder as a template,
mark the positions for the mount-
ing screw holes at the desired
location.
If you are mounting the CB in a vehi-
cle, choose a location where:
• You can easily reach the CB.
2. At each marked position, drill a
hole slightly smaller than the sup-
plied mounting screws.
• Wires and cables are clear of the
vehicle’s pedals or other moving
parts.
Caution: Be careful not to drill
into anything behind the mount-
ing surface.
• The CB is not directly in front of
heating vents.
• All wires and cables can reach
their connection points.
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Cautions:
3. Attach the bracket to the mounting
surface with the supplied mount-
ing bolts, lockwashers, washers,
and nuts.
• If you use the TRC-442 in a vehi-
cle, mount it securely to avoid
damage to the CB or vehicle or in-
jury to anyone in the vehicle dur-
ing sudden starts or stops.
• Do not mount the CB where it
could damage or interfere with the
proper operation of any passive
restraint safety device (an air bag
or seat belt).
Follow these steps to mount the CB
using the supplied hardware.
Note: If you cannot reach behind
the mounting surface to attach the
nuts on the bolts, use the supplied
screws, lockwashers, and wash-
ers to secure the bracket.
1. Using the mounting bracket as a
template, mark the positions for
the screw holes on the mounting
surface.
4. Attach the CB to the mounting
bracket using the supplied rubber
washers and mounting knobs.
2. In each marked location, drill a
hole slightly smaller than the sup-
plied mounting bolts.
Rubber Washer
Caution: Be careful not to drill
into objects behind the mounting
surface.
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Note: If you are using this CB as a
base station, see “Using the CB as a
Base Station” on Page 9.
CONNECTING THE
MICROPHONE
1. Align the notch on the microphone
cable’s plug with the ridge in the
Selecting an Antenna
MIC
jack, then insert the plug into
the jack.
When deciding on an antenna and
where to locate it, consider these
points:
• The location of the antenna
should be as high as possible.
• The antenna and antenna cable
should be as far as possible from
sources of electrical noise (igni-
tion systems, gauges, and so on).
2. Tighten the microphone cable’s
outer ring by turning it clockwise.
3. Slide the microphone onto the mi-
crophone holder.
Your local RadioShack store sells a
variety of CB antennas for both mobile
and base-station use. Choose the one
that best meets your needs.
4. To disconnect the microphone,
loosen the microphone cable’s
outer ring by turning it counter-
clockwise, then pull out the plug.
Connecting an Antenna
Once you choose an antenna, follow
its mounting instructions. Route the
antenna’s cable to the CB, then screw
ANTENNA
the cable to the
back of the CB.
jack on the
Caution: Never pull on the micro-
phone cable.
INSTALLING AN
ANTENNA
Caution: To prevent damage to your
CB, you must connect an antenna to it
before you operate it.
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Cautions:
USING VEHICLE
• Do not run the cable over sharp
edges or moving parts that might
damage it.
BATTERY POWER
You can power this CB from your vehi-
cle’s battery or from standard AC pow-
er with an optional DC power supply.
For information on using AC power,
see “Using the CB as a Base Station”
on Page 9.
• Do not run the cable next to power
cables or other CB antenna
cables.
• Do not run the cable through a
vehicle’s engine compartment or
other areas that produce extreme
heat.
Follow these steps to power the CB
from your vehicle’s battery.
Note: To achieve your radio’s maxi-
mum range, adjust the antenna’s
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) using an
SWR meter (not supplied).
Red wire to switched
accessory terminal
Follow the instructions supplied with
the SWR meter and antenna to adjust
your antenna’s SWR to the lowest pos-
sible value. SWR values of 2.0:1 are
generally acceptable, with readings of
1.5:1 or lower being more desirable.
Black wire to vehicle’s frame
or battery (–)
1. Connect the red wire, with the in-
line fuse, to a source of voltage
that turns on and off with the igni-
tion switch, such as a spare
accessory terminal in your vehi-
cle’s fuse box. This prevents the
battery from being drained if you
leave the CB on when you turn off
the ignition.
2. Connect the black wire to your
vehicle battery’s negative (–) ter-
minal or to a metal part of the
vehicle’s frame that is not insu-
lated from the frame by a plastic
part.
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Warning: Use extreme caution
when you install or remove a base
station CB antenna. If the antenna
starts to fall, let it go. It could con-
tact overhead power lines. If the
antenna touches the power line,
contact with the antenna, mast,
cable, or guy wires can cause
electrocution and death. Call the
power company to remove the
antenna. DO NOT attempt to do
so yourself.
USING THE CB AS A
BASE STATION
Although this CB is designed mainly
for mobile use, you can also use it as
a base station with an AC power
source. For base station installation,
you need the following items (all avail-
able at your local RadioShack store):
• 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 in-
cluded with the power supply.
2. Route the antenna cable to the
CB, then connect the antenna to
ANTENNA
the
the CB.
jack on the back of
3. Connect the CB’s black power
wire to the negative (–) terminal
on the DC power supply.
• Base station antenna (such as
Cat. No. 21-969)
4. Connect the CB’s red wire, with
the in-line fuse, to the positive (+)
terminal on the DC power supply.
• Coaxial antenna cable and con-
nectors
5. Connect the DC power supply to a
standard AC outlet.
Follow these steps to install the CB as
a base station.
Red wire
to switched
accessory
terminal
Black wire to vehicle’s
frame or battery (–)
1. Mount the base station antenna
as described in its owner’s man-
ual.
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OPERATION
Before you use your CB radio, you
should know how to use it effectively
and courteously. “CB Operation Tips”
on Page 12 contains information that
will help you get more enjoyment from
your CB radio.
3. To tune to a specific channel, ro-
tate CHANNEL clockwise or coun-
terclockwise until the display
shows the desired channel.
TURNING ON THE CB
AND RECEIVING
TRANSMISSIONS
To rapidly move up or down the
channels, turn CHANNEL only
slightly to the left or right.
1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclock-
4. Slowly turn SQUELCH clockwise
wise.
until the hissing sound stops.
Note: If the CB picks up
unwanted, partial, or very weak
transmissions, turn SQUELCH
clockwise to decrease the CB’s
sensitivity to these signals. Turn
SQUELCH counterclockwise if you
want to listen to a weak or distant
station.
2. To turn on the CB, turn VOLUME
clockwise until it clicks and you
hear a hissing sound. The CB dis-
plays the last selected channel.
5. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable
listening level.
6. To turn off the CB, turn VOLUME
counterclockwise until it clicks.
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TRANSMITTING
Note: We recommend you try receiv-
ing before you transmit.
1. Follow Steps 1–5 in “Turning On
the CB and Receiving Transmis-
sions” on Page 10.
PUSH TO TALK
2. Hold down
and
speak into the microphone in a
normal voice from about 2–3
inches away. The orange TX indi-
cator lights.
Note: Do not speak too loudly
when transmitting. It does not
make your signal any stronger,
and might distort your transmis-
sion.
3. When you finish transmitting, re-
PUSH TO TALK
lease
. The TX indi-
cator turns off. The TRC-442 can
now receive transmissions.
VOLUME
4. To turn off the CB, turn
counterclockwise until it clicks.
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CB OPERATION TIPS
Like most activities, CB radio has its
customs and courtesies. The following
tips will help you get the most enjoy-
ment from your CB.
• 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 as-
surance it is to be able to radio for
assistance!
COMMON USES FOR A
CB RADIO
• Camping, fishing, and other sports
are more fun with a CB radio.
Locate a buddy or find out “what’s
cooking” back at camp.
Business Uses
• Truck drivers and delivery person-
nel can learn road and traffic con-
ditions and get assistance in
locating destinations. A CB is also
good company on those “long
hauls.”
CB COURTESY
• Wait for a pause in someone
else’s transmission before you
ask for a break.
• On construction crews, a CB
quickly pays for itself when you
are calling for additional materials
or coordinating the activities of dif-
ferent work crews.
• If you do not receive an answer to
your call after a second attempt,
sign off and wait several minutes
before trying again.
• For security officers, a CB is more
than a convenience — it is a must
for both safety and efficiency.
• Do not hold down the microphone
talk button when you are not talk-
ing. (This is called “dead keying.”)
Personal Uses
• Assist callers with directions,
information about road conditions,
• Keep in touch with home while
driving 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.
and
requests.
any
other
reasonable
• If you are a two-car (or more) fam-
ily, CB radios are great for com-
municating with family members
while they are in their cars.
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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 Commu-
nications Officers (APCO).
Code
Meaning
Code
Meaning
10-1
10-2
10-3
Your signal is bad.
Your signal is good.
Stop transmitting.
10-17
10-18
10-19
10-20
10-21
10-22
10-23
10-24
10-25
En route.
Urgent.
Contact _____.
Message received and under-
stood.
What is your location?
Call _____ by telephone.
Cancel last message.
Arrived at the scene.
Assignment complete.
Meet _____.
10-4
10-5
Relay information to _____.
I am busy or are you busy?
Out of service.
10-6
10-7
10-8
In service.
10-9
10-10
10-11
10-12
Repeat last message.
Negative (No).
Estimated time of arrival is
_____.
10-26
_____ in service.
Stand by.
10-30
10-31
Use caution.
Pick up.
Report road/weather condi-
tions.
Emergency traffic. Clear the
channel.
10-13
10-33
10-14
10-15
10-16
Information.
10-34
10-41
10-62
What time is it?
Message delivered.
Reply to message.
Switch to Channel _.
Cannot understand.
Note: Although this table lists the 10-codes’ meanings in the form of a statement, they
can also be phrased as questions (10-6: Are you busy?, 10-20: What is your loca-
tion?).
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MAXIMUM RANGE
The maximum range and quality of CB
radio transmissions vary depending
on these conditions:
• The type and quality of antenna
used
• The height of the antenna’s
mounting location — the higher
the antenna, the better the sig-
nal’s range
• The surrounding terrain — moun-
tains and tall buildings limit the
range
• Weather conditions
• The number of nearby CBs oper-
ating on the same channel
• Standing wave ratio (SWR) be-
tween the antenna and the CB
Note: Your CB radio’s transmission
range is generally line-of-sight.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
If your CB is not working as it should, follow these suggestions to see if you can
eliminate the problem. If you cannot, take the CB to your local RadioShack store for
assistance.
Symptom:
Check That:
• The CB is turned on.
Trouble with reception
• VOLUME is turned up.
• SQUELCH is turned counterclockwise.
• PUSH TO TALK is not being pressed in.
• The antenna cable is securely connected to
both the antenna and the CB.
Trouble with transmission
• The CB is turned on.
• VOLUME is turned up.
• The microphone is securely connected to the
CB.
• All connectors are clean and tightened.
• You are fully pressing PUSH TO TALK
• The antenna cable is securely connected to
both the antenna and the CB.
No channel selection
You are not pressing PUSH TO TALK. You cannot
change channels when PUSH TO TALK is pressed.
CB does not work at all
• The power supply and in-line fuse are working
(see “Replacing the Fuse’’ on Page 18).
• The red (+) and black (–) wires are connected
properly when using vehicle battery power.
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• If problems persist, check your
alternator/generator and regula-
tor gauges. You can reduce the
noise from these sources by using
bypass capacitors at the various
output voltage points.
REDUCING NOISE
Because your CB is exceptionally qui-
et, any noise you hear through the CB
is probably from an external source in
your vehicle such as the alternator, an-
other radio, or spark plugs.
Your local RadioShack store has a
wide selection of noise suppression
accessories.
The transceiver uses an ANL (Auto-
matic Noise Limiter) circuit to reduce
noise. However, if possible, try to elim-
inate the noise by finding its source.
You can determine the noise’s source
by turning off the engine and operating
the CB with your vehicle’s ignition set
to ACC. If the noise is reduced, the
problem is in your vehicle’s ignition or
electrical system.
Here are a few hints to help you re-
duce or eliminate such noise:
• Make all CB power and antenna
wires as short as possible.
• Route the power wires away from
the antenna wires.
• Be sure that the chassis ground
connection is secure.
• Replace old ignition wires with
new, high-voltage, noise suppres-
sion wires.
• Install noise suppressors on your
spark plugs, or install new spark
plugs that have built-in noise sup-
pressors.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack TRC-442 Full-Power 40-Channel Mobile CB Radio is an example
of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care
for your CB 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.
Keep the CB away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature
wear of parts.
Handle the CB gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit
boards and cases and can cause the CB to work improperly.
Wipe the CB with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.
Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents
to clean the CB.
Modifying or tampering with the CB’s internal components can cause a malfunction
and might invalidate the CB’s warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate
it. If your CB is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store
for assistance.
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REPLACING THE FUSE
The TRC-442’s 2-amp in-line fuse
helps protect your CB from power
surges and short circuits. If the CB los-
es power because the fuse has burned
out, replace it using a 2-amp, slow-
blow glass fuse, such as Cat. No. 270-
1023.
Caution: Make sure you replace the
fuse only with another fuse of the same
type and rating.
Follow these steps to replace the fuse.
1. Make sure the power source and
CB are both off.
2. Holding the fuse holder by both
ends, push the ends together,
twist one end counterclockwise,
then pull them apart.
3. If the fuse is blown, replace it.
4. To close the fuse holder, align the
tabs and slots at the ends, and
push the fuse holder ends
together. Then turn either end
clockwise.
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SPECIFICATIONS
RECEIVER
Frequency Coverage ................All 40 CB Channels (Class D) 26.965–27.405 MHz
Sensitivity for 10dB S/N ...................................... 0.5 mV or better for 10 dB S+N/N
Adjacent Channel Rejection .........................................................–40db (at 10 kHz)
Audio Output .................................................................................................. 1 Watt
Cross Modulation ............................................................................................ 50 dB
Squelch ................................................................. Adjustable from 0.7 mV to 1 mV
TRANSMITTER
Frequency Coverage ................All 40 CB Channels (Class D) 26.965–27.405 MHz
Frequency Tolerance ................................................................................... 0.005%
Output Power ............................................................................ 4 Watts (Maximum)
Spurious Emission ........................................................................................ –60 dB
Type of Modulation .............................................................................................. A3
Modulation Capability ....................................................................................... 90%
Antenna Impedance ................................................................................... 50 Ohm
GENERAL
Power Requirements .............................................13.8 Volts DC, Negative Ground
120 V AC, 60 Hz, using an optional power supply (Cat. No. 22-504)
Dimensions (HWD) ...........................15/8 × 51/2 ¥ 67/8 inches (41.5 ¥ 140 ¥ 175 mm)
Weight ............................................................................................. 26.4 oz (750 g)
Included Accessories ................................ Microphone Holder, Mounting Hardware
Specifications are typical, individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to
change and improvement without notice.
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Limited Ninety-Day Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-
ship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-
owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES
CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABIL-
ITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RE-
SPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE
OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WAR-
RANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVE-
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN AD-
VISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-
cidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, un-
less otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and
labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase
price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the prop-
erty of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the
expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or
maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as
fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
3/97
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
811081220B
6A8
Printed in China
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