TRC-496 40 Channel 2-Way CB Radio
(210-1597) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 45041
Supplied Hardware and Accessories
Microphone Holder
Two Small Lock Washers
Two Large Lock Washers
Two Small Screws
Two Large Screws
Two Rubber Washers
Two Mounting Knobs
Mounting Bracket
Mounting The TRC-496
The most common mounting location for the CB us under a vehicle's dashboard.
If you use the TRC-496 in a vehicle, mount it securely to avoid damage to
the CB or vehicle, or injury to anyone in the vehicle during sudden starts
or stops.
If you use the TRC-496 as a base station, you can place it on a desk, shelf,
or table.
When you mount the CB in a vehicle, make sure to choose a mounting location
where:
You can easily reach the CB.
Its wires and cables do not interfere with any of the vehicle's moving
parts.
The CB is not directly in front of heating vents.
All wires and cables reach their connection points.
Follow these steps to mount the CB using the supplied hardware.
1. Using the mounting bracket as a template, mark the positions for the
screw holes on the mounting surface.
2. In each marked location, drill a hole slightly smaller than the large
screws.
CAUTION: Be careful not to drill into any objects behind the mounting
surface.
3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, attach the mounting bracket to the
mounting location with the large screws and large lock washers.
4. Attach the CB to the mounting bracket using the supplied rubber
washers and mounting knobs.
Connecting The Microphone
Using a Phillips screwdriver, attach the supplied microphone holder to the
CB's right or left side with the supplied small screws and small lock-
washers.
To connect the microphone cable, make sure the ridge on he microphone
cable's plug is aligned with the notch in the microphone jack, then insert
the plug into the jack until it clicks.
Slide the microphone onto the microphone holder.
To disconnect the microphone:
1. Press up on the plug's bottom.
2. Pull out the plug.
CAUTION: Never pull on the microphone cable.
Connecting an Antenna
CAUTION: To prevent damage to your CB, you must connect an antenna to the
CB before you operate it.
NOTE: Your local Radio Shack store sells a variety of CB antennas and
coaxial antenna cable and connectors for both mobile and base
station use.
Consider the following when deciding on a mobile or base station antenna
and its location:
The location of the antenna should be as high as possible.
The antenna and cable should be as far as possible from source of elec-
trical noise (ignition systems, gauges, etc.).
The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.
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
contact 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.
There are many different types of CB antennas for mobile CBs. Each type has
benefits, and you should choose the one that best meets your needs. Some
popular types of mobile CB antennas and how to mount them are described in
this section.
Roof Antenna - A roof antenna provides the best range because it is
mounted ideally at the highest point on the vehicle where
it can radiate and receive the signal equally from all
directions. However, you must drill a hole in the
vehicle's roof to mount this type of antenna.
Magnetic Antenna - A strong magnet attaches this antenna to any flat metal
surface on your vehicle. Its greatest benefit is that
you can mount it on the vehicle's roof for the best
performance, without drilling holes. A magnetic antenna
is great for temporary installations, but you can also
use it for permanent installations.
Clamp-On Antenna - This antenna clamps onto your vehicle's gutter or trunk-
lid, so you do not need to drill holes to mount it. The
gutter antenna has a slightly better range than the trunk
lid antenna because you usually mount it higher on the
vehicle. However, the trunk-lid antenna's coverage is
directional because the signals normally move away from
the side of the vehicle.
Bumper Antenna - This type of antenna usually clamps onto your bumper.
Its signal pattern moves away from the side of the
vehicle. Because of its length, a bumper antenna
usually provides excellent performance, although the
length can be a problem in low-clearance areas.
Once you choose an antenna, follow these steps to connect it.
1. Follow the mounting instructions that come with the antenna.
2. Route the cable between the antenna and the CB.
CAUTION: When routing the antenna cable:
Avoid sharp edges or moving parts that might damage the
cable.
Do not run the cable next to power cables or other CB
antenna cables.
Do not run the cable through the engine compartment or
other areas that produce extreme heat.
3. Connect the cable to the ANT. jack on the back of the CB.
Connecting an Optional External Speaker
You can connect an external CB speaker with a 1/8-inch plug to the CB. You
must use an 8-Ohm speaker capable of handling up to 10 watts of power. Your
local Radio Shack store has a wide selection of external speakers.
To connect an external speaker, simply plug the speaker's cable into the
CB's EXT SP jack.
NOTE: When you connect an external speaker, the CB's internal speaker
disconnects.
Connecting a PA Speaker
You can connect an external PA speaker with a 1/8-inch plug to the CB.
You must use an 8-Ohm speaker capable of handling up to 10 watts of power.
Your local Radio Shack store has a wide selection of PA speakers. To connect
a PA speaker, simply plug the speaker's cable into the CB's PA. SP jack.
NOTE: When you connect a PA speaker, the CB's internal speaker
disconnects.
Connecting Power
Using Vehicle Battery Power
Follow these steps to power the CB from your vehicle's battery.
1. Connect the CB's black wire to your vehicle battery's negative (-)
terminal, your vehicle fuse box's negative terminal, or a metal part
of your vehicle's chassis that is not insulated from the chassis by
a plastic part.
2. Connect the CB's red wire with inline fuse to a source of voltage that
turns on and off with the ignition switch, such as a spare accessory
terminal in your vehicle's fuse box.
3. Adjust your CB's SWR (see "Adjusting an Antenna's Standing Wave
Ratio" below.)
Using Standard AC Power
For base station use, you can power the CB from a standard AC outlet using
a 12-volt DC power supply (such as Cat. No. 22-120).
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.
1. Connect the black wire to the DC power supply's negative (-) terminal.
2. Connect the red wire, with in-line fuse, to the DC power supply's
positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the DC power supply to a standard AC outlet.
4. Adjust your CB's SWR (see "Adjusting an Antenna's Standing Wave
Ratio" below).
Adjusting an Antenna's Standing Wave Ratio
To achieve your CB's maximum efficiency, after connecting power you should
adjust the antenna's Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) using an SWR meter (not
supplied).
Follow the instructions supplied with the SWR meter and antenna to adjust
your antenna's SWR to the lowest possible value. SWR values of 2.0:1 are
generally acceptable, with readings of 1.5:1 or lower being more desirable.
(LB/EB 10/31/97)
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