TRC-239 40-Channel, 4-Watt CB Walkie-Talkie
(210-1628)                 Preparation                Faxback Doc. # 58922

Powering the CB

You can power your TRC-239 from any of these sources:

  Internal batteries (not supplied).

  Vehicle battery Power (using an optional adapter).

  Household AC power (using an optional adapter).

Using the POWER Jack and NI/AL Switch

The POWER jack lets you connect an external power source (such as your 
vehicle's battery) or an external AC adapter (not supplied), or an 
external charger (not supplied) to charge rechargeable batteries (not 
supplied) while they are in the TRC-239.  Before connecting anything to 
POWER, you must set NI/AL correctly.

Follow these steps to set NI/AL.

1.  Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow to
    remove it.

2.  Remove any installed batteries.

3.  Set NI/AL as follows:

      Set it to AL to use alkaline batteries.

      Set NI/AL to NI to use rechargeable batteries inside the TRC-239.

WARNING:  To avoid injuring yourself or damaging the TRC-239, connect a
          battery to POWER only when using Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries.

Using Batteries

Your TRC-239 can use 9 AA batteries (not supplied) for power.  For the 
best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack non-
rechargeable alkaline or rechargeable nickel-cadmium/nickel-metal hydride 
batteries.

CAUTIONS:  Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended
           type.

           Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries
           (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable) or rechargeable batteries
           of different capacities or type.

Using Non-Rechargeable Batteries

Follow these steps to install non-rechargeable batteries.

1.  Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow to
    remove it.

2.  Place the batteries in the compartment as indicated by the polarity
    symbols (+ and -) marked inside.

3.  Replace the cover.

When the TX/BATT indicator lights steadily or the TRC-239 stops operating 
properly, replace the batteries.

WARNING:  Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.  Do not bury or
          burn them.

CAUTION:  If you do not plan to use the TRC-239 with internal batteries
          for several months, remove the batteries.  Batteries can leak
          chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

Using Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries come fully discharged.  Before you use them for the 
first time, you must charge them.  You can charge the batteries while they 
are in the battery compartment using a battery charger, such a RadioShack 
Cat. No. 23-349 (not supplied).  Or you can use an optional external 
battery charger (not supplied).

WARNING:  Do not try to charge non-rechargeable batteries.  They might get
          very hot and they could explode.

Follow these steps to change nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride 
batteries in the TRC-239's battery compartment.

1.  Rotate VOLUME upward until it clicks.

2.  Set the battery charger's Ni-Cd/Ni-MH selector switch to the
    appropriate position.

3.  Insert the charger's barrel plug into the TRC-239's POWER jack.

4.  Plug the charger's other end into a standard AC outlet.

    It takes 14-16 hours to recharge Ni-MH batteries or 7-8 hours to
    recharge Ni-Cd batteries that are fully discharged.

5.  When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the charger from the AC
    outlet, then disconnect the charger from the CB.

Charging Tips

Fully discharge Ni-Cd batteries occasionally by using the TRC-239 until 
the TX/BATT indicator lights, then fully recharge the batteries.  This 
helps restore and maintain the ability of the batteries to take a maximum 
charge.  (This does not apply to Ni-MH batteries).

To prevent damage to rechargeable batteries, never charge them in an area 
where the temperature is above 122 degrees F. (50 degrees C.) or below 32 
degrees F. (0 degrees C.).

Do not overcharge batteries.  Overcharging can severely reduce the 
batteries' useful life.

Always disconnect the charger's AC plug before you disconnect the barrel 
plug.

IMPORTANT: This CB can use nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries.  At the
           end of a nickel-cadmium battery's useful life, it must be
           recycled or disposed of properly.  Contact your local, county,
           or state hazardous waste management authorities for information
           on recycling or disposal programs in your area.  Some options
           that might be available are: municipal curbside collection,
           drop-off boxes at retailers such as your local RadioShack
           store, recycling collection centers, and mail-back programs.

Using Vehicle Battery Power

You can power the TRC-239 from a vehicle's 12V power source (such as 
cigarette-lighter socket) using a fused DC power cord that ends in a size 
M Adapt-a-plug adapter (neither supplied).  Both are available at your 
local RadioShack store.

CAUTIONS:  You must use a power source that supplies 13.8 volts (12-volts
           nominal) at 1300 mA.  Its center tip must be set to positive
           and its plug must fit the TRC-239's POWER jack.  Using a power
           source that does not meet these specifications could damage the
           TRC-239 or the power cord.

           Always connect the fused power cord to the TRC-239 before you
           connect it to the power source. When you finish, disconnect the
           fused power cord from the power source before you disconnect it
           from the TRC-239.

If batteries are installed, make sure NI/AL inside the battery compartment 
is set to the correct position (see "Using Batteries," above).

Follow these steps to connect the TRC-239 to your vehicle's battery power.

1.  Plug the power cord's Adapt-a-plug into the TRC-239's POWER jack.

2.  Connect the other end of the power cord to your vehicle's cigarette
    lighter socket.

Using AC Power

You can power the TRC-239 using an optional DC power supply that provides 
13.8 volts (12-volt nominal) at 1300 mA.  You also need a fused power cord 
that ends in a size M Adaptaplug adapter (neither supplied).  Both are 
available at your local RadioShack store.

CAUTIONS:  You must use a power supply that supplies 13.8V DC and delivers
           at least 1300 mA.  Its fused connecting cord's center tip must
           be set to positive and its plug must fit the TRC-239's POWER
           jack.  Using a power supply that does not meet these
           specifications could damage the TRC-239, the power cord, or the
           power supply.

           Always connect the power supply to the TRC-239 before you
           connect it to AC power.  When you finish, disconnect the power
           supply from AC power before you disconnect the power cord from
           the TRC-239.

If batteries are installed for portable use, make sure NI/AL inside the 
battery compartment is set to the correct position (see "Using Batteries," 
above).

Follow these steps to connect the TRC-239 to AC power.

1.  Connect the Adaptaplug adapter to the power supply's cord, setting TIP
    to + (positive).

2.  Plug the barrel plug into the TRC-239's POWER jack.

3.  Plug the power supply into a standard AC outlet, then turn on the
    power supply before you turn on the TRC-239.

Connecting the Antenna

CAUTION:  To prevent damage to your TRC-239, you must connect an antenna
          before you operate it.

Follow these steps to attach the supplied flexible antenna to your
TRC-239.

1.  Align the slots around the antenna's connector with the tabs on the
    antenna jack on top of the TRC-239.

2.  Press the antenna down over the jack and turn the antenna's base
    clockwise until it locks.

To remove the antenna, turn the antenna's base counterclockwise until it 
unlocks, then lift it off the antenna jack.

Connecting an Optional Antenna

The TRC-239 comes with a flexible antenna (equipped with a BNC connector) 
that is ideal for most applications.  However, the BNC connector makes it 
easy to connect other types of antennas, too.  For mobile or base station 
use, you might want to connect an optional external antenna.  Your local 
RadioShack store carries a wide selection of external mobile or outdoor 
base station antennas.  Choose the one that best meets your needs.

When deciding on a mobile or base station antenna and its location, 
consider the following:

  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 (appliances, other radios, and so on).

  The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.

Note:  When connecting an optional antenna, always use 50-Ohm coaxial
       cable such as RG-58.  For lengths over 50 feet, use low-loss RG-8
       coaxial cable.  When the cable terminates in a PL-259 connector,
       obtain an adapter to fit the BNC connector.

Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the 
antenna cable to the TRC-239, then connect it to the antenna jack.

CAUTIONS:  Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts.

           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 all cautions and warnings included with the antenna.

WARNING:  When installing or removing a base station CB antenna, use
          extreme caution.  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.

(EB 3/7/00)

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