TRC521 CB Radio
OWNER’S MANUAL —
Please read before using this equipment.
21-1711
SQUELCH — Rotate to reduce
background noise (CB sensitivity).
See Page 6.
OFF/VOLUME — Rotate towards
VOLUME to turn on your CB, and then
adjust to desired listening level. Rotate
towards OFF to turn off your CB.
RF GAIN — Rotate to
improve signal reception in
strong signal areas. See
Page 6.
CB/WX — Slide to CB to
use and listen to citizen’s
band radio. Slide to WX to
listen to local and national
weather broadcasts.
CHANNEL — Rotate to
tune to a channel.
UP/DN — Press or hold
down to scroll up or down
through channels.
Connect the supplied
microphone here.
Microphone
Mounting Bracket
Microphone Holder
Mounting hardware supplied
for the microphone holder
and CB.
PTT — Push to talk. Hold down
and talk into the microphone
while transmitting.
DUAL WATCH/ALERT TONE OFF —
Press to activate dual watch (see
Page 11), or to silence weather alert
tones (see Page 10).
Thank you for purchasing the RadioShack TRC521 CB Radio. It provides two-way
communication on the citizen’s radio band and lets you tune to local and national weather
service broadcasts. It provides the maximum legal power output for the greatest available
range, and a built-in PLL (phase-locked loop) frequency synthesizer to reduce congestion.
CB radio provides hours of fun and entertainment! Listen and talk to people from all over the
country while traveling, and make new friends along routes that you regularly travel. It is also a
great way to keep informed of local emergencies, such as traffic accidents, road blocks,
weather alerts and so on.
© 2004 RadioShack Corporation.
IMPORTANT
!
!
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack and RadioShack.com
are trademarks used by
If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go to the box on that page
with the corresponding icon for pertinent information.
RadioShack Corporation.
— Warning
ꢀ — Caution
Ô — Note
o
2. At the marked positions, drill a hole slightly smaller than
the mounting screws. Do not drill into objects behind
the mounting surface.
3. Secure the mounting bracket to the mounting surface
with the supplied screws and lockwashers.
Mounting Bracket
Screws and Lockwashers
Mounting
Knobs
Rubber
Washers
4. Attach the CB to the mounting bracket with the supplied
rubber washers and mounting knobs.
Microphone
Jack
CONNECT THE MICROPHONE
1. Align the holes inside
the microphone’s plug
with the pins in the
microphone jack and
insert the plug.
2. Turn the plug’s locking
nut clockwise to secure
Locking
Nut
it.
3. Slide the microphone
onto the holder.
Microphone Plug
4. To disconnect the microphone, unscrew the locking nut
and pull the microphone plug toward you. Do not pull
the microphone cable.
CONNECTING AN ANTENNA
To use this CB, you need a mobile or base station antenna.
There are many types of antennas for CBs. Each type has
its own benefits, so choose the one that best meets your
needs. Your local RadioShack store sells a wide variety of
antennas. If you are using this CB as a base station, see
“Using the CB as a Base Station” on Page 5.
3
Dual band antennas provide optimum reception of CB and
WX channels. For mobile installations (car, boat), a non-
directional antenna provides the best CB reception. Mobile
antennas use your vehicle’s metal body as a ground plane.
If the CB is installed in a boat, your boat’s steel hull is used
as a ground plane. Without a steel hull serving as a ground
plane, you will not receive maximum efficiency. Before
using your CB in a boat, consult with your boat dealer
regarding an adequate grounding system.
Keep in mind that for the best performance you should
mount the antenna:
ꢀ CAUTION ꢀ
Avoid routing the cable next to
sharp edges or moving parts,
which might damage the cable.
• as high as possible.
•
•
•
• as far as possible from sources
of electrical noise.
Black and red
POWER wires
Do not run the cable next to
power cables or other radio
antenna cables.
• vertically.
1. Follow the antenna’s
instructions to mount it.
Do not run the cable through
the engine compartment or
other areas that produce
extreme heat.
2. Route the antenna cable to
the CB radio and connect it
to the ANT. jack. ꢀ
ANT. Jack
Antenna Cable
CONNECTING TO VEHICLE BATTERY POWER
1. Connect the CB’s red POWER wire to a terminal in your
vehicle’s fuse box that has power only when the ignition
is in the ACC (accessory) or ON position.
Ô NOTE Ô
Do not connect the black wire to a
non-metallic (plastic) part, or to any
part insulated from the vehicle’s
chassis by a non-metallic part.
2. Connect the CB’s black POWER wire to a metal part of
the vehicle’s frame (chassis ground). Ô
CONNECTING AN OPTIONAL
EXTERNAL SPEAKER
You can connect an
external speaker to the
CB. Use an 8-ohm
EXT. SP. Jack
speaker with a 1/8-inch
(3.5-mm) plug. Insert the
speaker’s plug into the
CB’s EXT. SP. jack.
4
USING THE CB AS A BASE
STATION
Although this CB is designed for mobile use, you can use it
as a base station with an AC power source. Your local
RadioShack store carries a wide selection of base station
antennas, coaxial antenna cable, connectors, and base
station power supplies. For base station installation, you
need the following items:
ꢀ 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.
• a 12-volt DC power supply that can supply at least 1.5
amps. ꢀ
• base station antenna.
WARNING
o
o
• coaxial antenna cable and connectors.
Use extreme caution when you
install or remove a base station
CB antenna. If the antenna starts
to fall, let it go. It could contact
overhead power lines. If the
antenna touches a 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.
1. Mount the base station antenna
as described in its owner’s
manual.
o
2. Connect the antenna cable to the
ANT. jack on the back of the CB.
ANT.
Jack
Cable
3. Connect the CB’s black POWER
wire to the negative (–) terminal
on the DC power supply.
DC Power Supply
Red wire connected
to + terminal
Black wire connected
to – terminal
4. Connect the CB’s red POWER wire to the positive (+)
terminal on the DC power supply.
5. Connect the DC power supply to a standard AC outlet.
5
RECEIVING AND
TRANSMITTING
We recommend you try receiving transmissions before you
transmit.
RECEIVING
1. Rotate OFF/VOLUME towards OFF until it clicks to turn
off the CB.
2. Slide CB/WX to CB.
3. Rotate SQUELCH fully counterclockwise.
4. Rotate RF GAIN fully clockwise.
5. Rotate OFF/VOLUME clockwise to turn on the CB. The
display lights and the channel number appears. An
alert sounds if a weather alert signal is detected (see
“Using Digital Weather Alert” on Page 10).
Ô NOTE Ô
6. To decrease CB sensitivity so you do not hear weak,
distant signals, slowly rotate SQUELCH clockwise until
the hissing stops. To increase sensitivity and to receive
very weak signals, rotate SQUELCH counterclockwise.
Ô
•
•
Only rotate SQUELCH until the
hissing stops. If you continue to
rotate it clockwise, you will be
unable to receive any signals.
You may want to purchase an
SWR (Standard Wave Ratio)
meter to measure your range
and signal strength. This will
enable you to adjust your
7. Rotate RF GAIN clockwise to optimize reception
(incoming signal strength). Or, rotate it
counterclockwise to decrease signal strength. Ô
antenna for maximum range,
and determine the best position
for RF GAIN. See your SWR
meter owner’s manual for
8. To tune to a channel, rotate CHANNEL on the radio, or
press UP or DN on the microphone. To quickly scroll
through channels in either direction, hold down UP or
DN until you reach the desired channel.
instruction on how to use it.
9. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable listening level.
10. To turn off the CB, rotate OFF/VOLUME
counterclockwise to OFF until it clicks.
TRANSMITTING
1. To transmit, hold down PTT on the microphone. Hold
the microphone about 2–3 inches from your mouth and
speak in a normal tone of voice. TX lights to indicate
transmission.
2. When you finish transmitting, release PTT. TX turns off.
6
3. To turn off the CB, turn OFF/VOLUME counterclockwise
to OFF until it clicks.
USING COMMON 10-CODES
Citizen’s Band operators have adopted 10-codes for
standard questions and answers. These codes permit faster
communication and better intelligibility in noisy areas. The
more popular codes follow:
Code
Meaning
10-1
10-2
Receiving poorly.
Receiving well.
10-3
Stop transmitting.
10-4
OK, message received.
Relay message.
10-5
10-6
Busy, please stand by.
Out of service.
10-7
10-8
In service
10-9
Repeat message.
10-10
10-11
10-12
10-13
10-17
10-18
10-19
10-20
10-21
10-22
10-23
10-25
10-26
10-27
10-28
10-32
10-33
10-36
10-37
10-38
10-41
10-42
10-43
10-50
10-62
10-70
Transmission completed, standing by.
Talking too rapidly.
Visitors present.
Advise Weather/Road conditions.
Urgent business.
Anything for us?
Nothing for you. Return to base.
My location is____.
Call by telephone.
Report in person to____.
Please stand by.
Can you contact____.
Disregard last information.
I am moving to channel____.
Identify your station.
I will give you a radio check.
Emergency traffic.
Correct time is____.
Wrecker needed at____.
Ambulance needed at______
Please turn to channel_____.
Traffic accident at_____.
Traffic tie-up at____.
Break channel.
Unable to copy; use telephone.
Fire at_____.
7
This table lists the code meanings in the form of a
statement. They can also be phrased as questions. For
example, “10-6: Are you busy?”, “10-20: What is your
location?”.
TIPS FOR USING YOUR CB
Like most activities, CB radio has its customs and
courtesies. The following tips will help you get the most
enjoyment from your CB.
BUSINESS USE
• Truck drivers and delivery personnel can learn road
and traffic conditions and get assistance in locating
destinations. A CB is also good company on long road
trips.
• On construction crews, a CB quickly pays for itself
when you are calling for additional materials or
coordinating the activities of different work crews.
• For security officers, a CB is more than a convenience
— it is a must for both safety and efficiency.
PERSONAL USE
• 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.
• If you are a two-car (or more) family, CBs are great for
communicating with family members while they are in
their cars.
• 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 assurance it is to be able to call for assistance!
• Camping, fishing, and other sports are more fun with a
CB. Locate a buddy or find out “what’s cooking” back at
camp.
TRANSMISSION COURTESY
• Wait for a pause in someone else’s transmission before
you ask for a break.
• If you do not receive an answer to your call after a
second attempt, sign off and wait several minutes
before trying again.
8
• Do not hold down PTT when you are not talking. (This is
called dead keying.)
• Assist callers with directions, information about road
conditions, and any other reasonable requests.
MAXIMUM RANGE
Your CB radio’s transmission range is generally line-of-
sight. The maximum range and quality of CB transmissions
vary depending on the following conditions:
• the type and quality of antenna used.
• the height of the antenna’s mounting location — the
higher the antenna, the better the signal’s range.
• the surrounding terrain — mountains and tall buildings
limit the range.
• weather conditions.
• the number of nearby CBs operating on the same
channel.
• standing wave ratio (SWR) between the antenna and
the CB.
REDUCING NOISE
Because your CB is exceptionally quiet, any noise you hear
is probably from an external source in your vehicle, such as
the alternator, another radio, or spark plugs. You can
determine the noise 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.
To reduce or eliminate such noise:
• Make all CB power and antenna wires as short as
possible.
• Keep the power wires away from the antenna wires.
• Be sure the chassis ground connection is secure.
• Replace old ignition wires with new, high-voltage,
noise-suppression wires.
• Install noise suppressors on your spark plugs, or install
new spark plugs that have built-in noise suppressors.
• If problems persist, check your alternator/generator and
regulator gauges. You can reduce the noise from these
sources by using bypass capacitors at the various
output voltage points.
9
LISTENING TO THE WEATHER
BAND
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) broadcasts local forecast and regional weather
information on one or more of seven channels in the US.
We have pre-programmed your CB with all seven of these
frequencies.
Channel
Frequency (MHz)
WX1
WX2
WX3
WX4
WX5
WX6
WX7
162.400
162.425
162.450
162.475
162.500
162.525
162.550
Ô NOTE Ô
•
PTT does not work when
CB/WX is set to WX. You can
only send transmissions when
in CB mode.
•
•
You cannot transmit while WX/
ALERT flashes in CB mode.
The alert tones for a Test and
EAT (Emergency Action
Termination) sound very similar.
We suggest you switch to WX
mode immediately to listen to
the weather broadcast.
To listen to a weather broadcast or alert, slide CB/WX to WX.
Rotate CHANNEL to select a frequency.
Ô
To verify reception, your radio must receive a test or
emergency alert broadcast. The National Weather Service
broadcasts a test alert every week. To find the specific test
schedule in your area, contact your local NOAA or National
Weather Service office.
•
•
Because of atmospheric
conditions, you may receive
signals that do not contain
information relevant to the
emergency level. This is normal.
The radio sounds an alert
regardless of the channel
setting.
USING DIGITAL WEATHER ALERT
When in CB mode, the radio automatically sounds an alert if
a weather alert signal is detected. This is especially useful
when your area is expecting severe weather conditions.
•
•
The CB will not sound an alert
while you are transmitting.
If you are in a rural or fringe
area, your radio might be
triggered by an alert broadcast
in one area, but not be triggered
if you travel to another area
(even close by).
When your local weather station broadcasts a severe
weather alert, the CB sounds a tone corresponding to the
alert type and WX/ALERT lights.
Alert Type
You Hear
Warning
Continuous short beeps
Three short beeps and a 2
second pause (repeats)
Watch
Advisory
Test
Two short beeps and a 2
second pause (repeats)
One short beep and a 3 second
pause (repeats)
EAT (Emergency
One short beep and a 3 second
Action Termination)
pause (repeats) Ô
10
To silence the alert tones, press ALERT TONE OFF.
WX/ALERT flashes until you switch to WX mode and listen to
the broadcast. Or press PTT to silence the alert tones so
WX/ALERT stops flashing. Ô
Ô NOTE Ô
You cannot transmit while
WX/ALERT flashes in CB mode.
To reduce the alert tone levels for subsequent alerts, hold
down ALERT TONE OFF for about two seconds while
WX/ALERT flashes. The tone stops and WX/ALERT flashes
slowly. If the radio receives a new weather alert, three
low-level, short beeps sound (regardless of alert type).
To listen to the weather when an alert is received, slide
CB/WX to WX. WX/ALERT turns off.
USING DUAL WATCH
You can set your radio to constantly monitor for emergency
(Channel 9) signals. If an emergency signal is received, the
CB radio automatically tunes to Channel 9 so you can hear
the broadcast. When finished, the radio returns to the
previous station. This feature only works in CB mode.
To activate dual watch, press DUAL WATCH. DUAL WATCH
lights. Press DUAL WATCH again to deactivate.
REPLACING THE FUSE
The CB’s in-line fuse protects it from power surges and
short circuits. When replacement is required, use a 2-amp,
fast-acting glass fuse, available at your local RadioShack
store.
1. Make sure the vehicle and CB are turned off.
2. Hold the fuse holder at both ends, push the ends
together, twist one end counterclockwise, and pull them
apart.
Fuse Holders
Fuse
ꢀ CAUTION ꢀ
Do not use a fuse with ratings
other than those specified here.
Doing so will make your CB
3. Remove the old fuse and inspect its condition. If it is
blown, insert a new one of the same type and rating. If
it is not blown, reinsert it. ꢀ
susceptible to electrical damage.
4. Push the fuse holder ends together and twist one end
clockwise.
11
TROUBLESHOOTING
We do not expect you to have any problems with your CB,
but if you do, the following suggestions might help.
Symptom
Suggestion
Make sure POWER is on.
Make sure SQUELCH is adjusted
properly.
Be sure RF GAIN is fully clockwise.
Make sure the CB is set to an operating
channel.
Trouble receiving.
Make sure the microphone is securely
connected.
Check for a good antenna connection.
Make sure the antenna cable is securely
connected to the radio.
Make sure the antenna is fully extended.
Make sure all connections are secure
and free of corrosion.
Trouble transmitting.
Make sure CB/WX is set to CB.
Check the DC power cord and in-line
The CB is completely fuse.
inoperable. Replace the fuse. See “Replacing the
Fuse” on Page 11.
If these tips do not solve the problem, do not attempt repairs
or adjustments yourself. The CB should be serviced only by
a qualified radio technician. If you still have problems, take
your CB to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
CARE
Keep the CB dry; if it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Use
and store the CB only in room temperature environments. If
used in a boat, do not expose CB to extreme heat or cold for
prolonged periods of time. Handle the CB carefully; do not
drop it. Keep the CB away from dust and dirt, and wipe it
with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.
SERVICE AND REPAIR
If your CB is not performing as it should, take it to your local
RadioShack store for assistance. To locate your nearest
RadioShack, use the store locator feature on RadioShack's
(843-7422) and follow the menu options. Modifying or
tampering with the CB's internal components can cause a
malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and void your
FCC authorization to operate it.
12
FCC INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not
require you to have a license to operate this CB. However,
the FCC does require that you read and know Part 95 of
FCC Rules. These rules apply to the operation of a Class D
CB.
Warning: Do not open your CB to make any internal
adjustments. Any internal adjustments can be made only by
an authorized service technician.
Unauthorized internal adjustments and/or modifications can
lead to illegal operation as defined by Part 95 of FCC Rules.
Such illegal operation can lead to very serious
consequences.
Your CB might cause TV or radio interference even when it
is operating properly. To determine whether your CB is
causing the interference, turn off your CB. If the interference
goes away, your CB is causing it. Try to eliminate the
interference by:
• moving your CB away from the receiver
• connecting your CB to an outlet that is on a different
electrical circuit from the receiver
• contacting your local RadioShack store for help
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires
that you stop using your CB.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
13
SPECIFICATIONS
RECEIVER
Frequency Response (1 kHz, 0 dB Reference)
Lower, at 450 Hz ................................................................... –3 dB
Upper, at 2500 Hz ................................................................. –3 dB
Intermediate Frequency
First IF ......................................................................... 10.695 MHz
Second IF .......................................................................... 455 kHz
Maximum Sensitivity ............................................................... 1 µV
Sensitivity for 10 dB S/N ........................................... 1 µV or better
AGC Figure of Merit
50 mV for 10 dB Change in Audio Output ............................. 90 dB
Overload AGC Characteristics (from 50 mV to 1000 mV) ....... 4 dB
Adjacent Channel Selectivity ................................................. 55 dB
Image Rejection ................................... Typically better than 60 dB
IF Rejection ............................................................. 65 dB or better
Maximum Audio Output Power .......................... 4 Watts at 8 ohms
Squelch Range .............................. Adjustable from 0.5 µV to 1 mV
Receive Battery Drain ..................................... 280 mA to 1500 mA
(from No Signal to Maximum Output)
TRANSMITTER
Frequency Tolerance ...................................................... ±0.0005%
Maximum Output Power ........ 4 Watts (maximum allowed by FCC)
Spurious Emission ................................................. –65 dB or better
Transmit Battery Drain .................................. 1270 mA to 1870 mA
(from No Modulation to 80% Modulation Limit)
Modulation Frequency Response (1 kHz, 0 dB Reference):
Lower, at 450 Hz ................................................................... –3 dB
Upper, at 2.5 kHz .................................................................. –3 dB
Modulation Type and Capacity .................................... A3 and 85%
Microphone Sensitivity ........................... 5 mV for 50% Modulation
GENERAL
Channels ..................................................................................... 40
Frequency Range ................................ 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz
Frequency Control ....................... Phase-Locked Loop Synthesizer
Operating Temperature Range ............................... –22°F to 122°F
Power Requirements ........................... 13.8V DC (12–16 volts DC,
Negative Ground)
Input Power ............................................. 7.5 W (Reference Value)
Antenna ............................................. 50 Ohm (Coaxial Connector)
Microphone .......................................................... Condenser Type
14
Internal Speaker ................................................... 16 Ohm, 5 Watts
Dimensions (HWD) ................................. 19/16 x 59/16 x 75/16 inches
(40 mm x 142 mm x 185 mm)
Weight ......................................................................... 2 lbs (930 g)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications
are subject to change and improvement without notice.
ACCESSORIES
Depending on how and where you plan to use your CB
radio, the following accessories can be used with your CB
radio for enhanced fuctionality and power. Visit your local
for a variety of CB accessories.
CB Antenna
SWR Meter
8-ohm External Speaker
12V DC Power Supply
Base Station Antenna
Coaxial Antenna Cable and Connectors
Antenna Connectors
2-Amp Glass Fuse (for fuse replacement)
15
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 limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limita-
tion of incidental 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 property
of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of war-
ranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the origi-
nal 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, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
12/99
01A04
Printed in China
21-1711
UTZZ01368ZZ
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