Cobra 29LX Professional CB Radio User Manual

Cobra 29LX Professional CB Radio

About Cobra
The future of driver awareness is being advanced by Cobra with the use of cutting-edge technologies. By pursuing exceptional product design and continually creating best-in-class vehicle technology, we seek to lead market sectors. Our 50 years of invention have allowed us to provide the technology you require for a contemporary driving experience, from mending televisions in a small garage to becoming a global leader in consumer electronics.

Our Thanks to You

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra 29 LX CB Radio. Properly used, this Cobra product will give you many years of reliable service.

Customer Support

Should you encounter any problems with the product or not understand its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If, after referring to the manual, you still need help, call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.

Cobra Customer Service

• Live operators are available M-F 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Central Time at 773-889-3087
• Automated Technical Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• E-mail questions to: productinfo@cobra.com
• Cobra on the World Wide Web: Frequently Asked Questions
• (FAQ) can be found online at: www.cobra.com

NOTE THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:

• THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND
• THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

Introduction

“If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before sending your unit in. This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair.”

You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the following to have the product serviced and returned.

1. For Warranty Repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction or carbon or a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be returned. 
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit. Include a typed or printed name and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4. Pack the unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or
   • First Class Mail: to avoid loss in
     • transit to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707.
6. If the unit is under warranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us for status. If the unit is out of warranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions, please call 1.773.889.3087 for assistance.

What’s Included with Your 29 LX

1. CB transceiver
2. Microphone
3. Transceiver bracket
4. Microphone bracket
5. Operating Manual
6. DC power cord
7. FCC rules (not shown)

Controls and Indicators

Front Sid

1. 4 Pin Microphone Connector
2. Power On/Off, Volume
3. Squelch
4. Dynamike
5. Menu/Enter/Channel Selector
6. RF Gain
7. Delta Tune
8. Talk Back Control
9. SWR Calibration 
10. Dim/Escape Button
11. Channel 9/Channel 19 Button
12. Scan/Memory Scan
13. CB/WX Weather/PA Button
14. LCD Display
15. RX (Receive)/TX (Transmit), Indicators
16. Signal Strength Meter
17. NB/ANL Button
18. S/RF SWR CAL Button
19. Microphone Back Side
20. Public Address Speaker Jack 
21. External Speaker Jack
22. Antenna Connector
23. Power Jack

Features of This Product

• Selectable 4-Color LCD Display
• 10 Weather Channels
• Weather Scan
• Emergency Weather Alert
• 40 CB Radio Channels
• 40 Channel Scan
• Memory Channels
• Channel Frequency Read-Out
• Radio Check Diagnostic
• Clock/Timer/Alarm
• Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone
• Full 4 Watts AM RF Power Output
• SWR Calibration Meter
• Instant Channel 19 and 9
• Front Panel 4-Pin Microphone Connector
• S switchable Automatic Noise Limiter & Noise Blanker
• Adjustable Dynamike Boost
• Tactile Controls
• 9 Ft Mic Cord
• Programmable Dimmer Control
• RF Gain

Installation 

Location
Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before starting the installation. Select a location that is convenient for operation, yet does not interfere with the driver or passenger. The transceiver is usually mounted to the underside of the dash with the microphone bracket beside it.

Mounting and Connection

1. Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in the exact desired location. If there is no interference, remove the bracket and use it as a template to mark the location for the mounting screws.
2. Drill the holes and secure the bracket.
3. Connect the antenna cable plug to the receptacle marked “ANT” on the back of the unit.
   
   
   • Note Before installing the CB radio, visually check the vehicle’s battery connection to determine which terminal, positive or negative, is grounded (positive is the larger of the two) to the engine block (or chassis). A negatively grounded vehicle has its negative lead grounded to the chassis.
   • Note Connecting to an accessory fuse prevents the unit from being left on accidentally, and also per-mits operating the unit without running the engine.
   • Note In positive ground vehicles the red wire goes to the chassis and the black wire is connected to the ignition switch.
   • Note When connected to an accessory fuse, the unit will self-test the emergency weather alert automatically when the ignition is turned on. Turns itself on & off.
4. In a negative grounded vehicle, connect the red lead of the DC power cord to an accessory 12-volt fuse.
5. Connect the black lead to the negative side of the vehicle. This is usually the chassis. Any convenient location with good electrical contact (remove paint) may be used.
6. Plug the power cable into the back of the unit marked “Power”. Be sure to observe polarity markings.
7. Mount the microphone bracket on either side of the unit (driver’s left) using two screws supplied. The bracket should be placed under the dash so the microphone is readily accessible.
8. Attach the 4-pin microphone cable to the receptacle on the front of the unit and install the unit in the bracket securely. 

CB Antenna

Since the maximum allowable power output of the transmitter is limited by the FCC, the antenna is critical in affecting transmission distance. Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maximum power output. Cobra-loaded type antenna models are highly recommended for most installations. For models with Weather Feature (WX), a Dual Band (Center Load/Base Load) antenna is recommended. Consult your Cobra dealer for further details, or call 773.889.3087 and speak to a Cobra representative.

Marine Installation

The transceiver will not operate at maximum efficiency in a boat without a ground plate, (unless it has a steel hull). Before attempting installation, consult your dealer for information regarding an adequate grounding system and prevention of electrolysis between fittings in the hull and water.

Turning On

Make sure the power cord, antenna, and microphone are connected to their proper connectors before starting.

1. Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise to turn the unit on and adjust to a normal listening level.
2. Press the CB/PA/WX button to change modes.
   
3. Select one of forty channels and adjust the volume. The selected channel (1 through 40) will be indicated by the readout directly above the channel selector knob.

Setting Channel Selector

Note Press CB/WX/PA to select CB, weather channels, or PA (public address) modes.

Calibrate for SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)

SWR calibration is done to properly adjust the length of the antenna and to monitor the quality of the coaxial cable and all RF connections. This calibration is critical to achieve optimal performance.

1. Select channel 20.
2. Press the SWR/CAL button to select CAL.
3. Push and hold the mic button.
4. While holding the mic button adjust the SWR CAL knob so the meter swings to the CAL mark on the meter (located on the right).
5. Release the PTT button, press and release the S/RF-SWR CAL button to the SWR position. Then press the PTT button to read the SWR reading.
6. Repeat the same steps two through five on Chapters 1 and 40. This will check SWR for all channels.

Calibrate for SWR continued
Note When switched to SWR mode the meter reading should ideally be as far to the left as possible. Anything over 3 is not acceptable. A slight antenna height adjustment (higher or lower) may be required. Repeat the recalibration steps.

To Receive

1. Rotate the On/Off Volume knob clockwise. The RX icon will be displayed.

To Transmit

1. Select the desired channel.

Caution Be sure the antenna is properly connected to the radio before transmitting. Prolonged transmitting without an antenna, or a poorly matched antenna, could cause damage to the transmitter. Be sure to read the F.C.C. Rules and Regulations included with this unit before transmitting.

Weather Information

Weather Alert
What You Should Know About Weather If threatening weather is nearby, the National Weather Service may broadcast a 10-second alert tone. This tone will be heard through the CB, even if the CB/WX Control is in the CB mode or the unit is turned off.

Weather Alert Scan
The unit will continually scan all 10 WX channels for 1050 Hz tone. If the tone is detected the unit will activate WX mode on the channel with the tone. The default state is Off. Go to Menu mode to choose On/Off (see page 22):

Weather Auto Scan
If active while in CB or PA mode will determine if the present WX channel is active. If the present WX channel is not active, will search for the strongest WX channel and auto change to that channel. The default is off. Go to Menu mode to choose on/off (see page 22).

Weather Channels

What is Weather Radio?
NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is a service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 380 NWR stations are in operation by the U.S. Government in addition to several NWR stations that are maintained by private interest groups. The capability is to supplement warnings by sirens and by commercial radio and television. The 10 National Weather Channels provide full coverage to keep you informed of weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How Your CB Can Serve You

• Warn of traffic problems
• Provide weather and road data
• Provide help in the event of an emergency
• Provide direct contact with home or office 
• Assist police by reporting erratic drivers
• Get “local information” to find your destination
• Communicate with family and friends
• Suggest spots to eat and sleep
• Keep you alert while traveling

A Few Rules You Should Know

• A. Conversations cannot last more than 5 minutes with another station. A one-minute break is required to let others use the channel.
• B. You cannot blast others off the air by use of illegally amplified transmitters or illegally high antennas.
• C. You cannot use CB to promote illegal activities.
• D. Profanity is not allowed.
• E. You may not transmit music with a CB.
• F. Selling of merchandise and/or services is prohibited

1. Set to channel 9 for emergencies
   • Be sure the antenna is properly connected.
2. CB Distress Data
   • When transmitting an emergency, you should request a “REACT BASE” and provide the CB
   • distress data (called CLIP):
     • Call Sign Identify yourself.
     • L location Be exact.
     • I njuries Number. Type. Trapped?
     • Problem Give details and help needed

The FCC gives these examples of permitted and prohibited messages for channel 9. These are only guidelines and not all-inclusive:

Frequency Ranges

The Cobra 29 LX transceiver represents one of the most advanced AM two-way radios used as a Class D station in the Citizens Radio Service. This unit features advanced Phase Lock Loop (PLL) circuitry providing complete coverage of all 40 CB channels.

29 LX Specifications

Limited Two Year Warranty

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
warrants that its COBRA CB Radios, and the parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for two (2) years from the date of the 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 CB radios, products, or 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.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply;

1. to any product damaged by accident;
2. in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs;
3. if the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed;
4. if the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. COBRA shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, or other damages; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.

Optional Accessories

The CB Story

The Citizens Band lies between the shortwave broadcast and 10-meter Amateur radio bands and was established by law in 1949. The Class D two-way communications service was opened in 1959. (CB also includes a Class A citizens band and Class C remote control frequencies.)

FCC Regulations
FCC regulations permit only “transmissions” (one party to another) rather than “broadcasts” (to a wide audience). Thus, advertising is not allowed on CB Channels because that is “broadcasting.”

FCC Warnings
All transmitter adjustments other than those supplied by the manufacturer as front panel operating controls must be made by, or under the supervision of, the holder of an FCC-issued General Radio-Telephone Operator’s License. Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes, or other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by Cobra, may cause a violation of the technical regulations of Part 95 of the FCC Rules, or violation of Type Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules. You should read and understand Part 95 (included with this unit) of the FCC Rules and Regulations, before operating your Cobra radio, even though the FCC no longer requires you to obtain an operator’s license.

FAQs about Cobra 29LX Professional CB Radio

 

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