Using Vehicle Battery Power | Radio Shack TRC-442 specs

21-1586.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 9:50 AM

Cautions:

•Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts that might damage it.

•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.

Note: To achieve your radio’s maxi- mum range, 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 pos- sible value. SWR values of 2.0:1 are generally acceptable, with readings of 1.5:1 or lower being more desirable.

USING VEHICLE

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.

Follow these steps to power the CB from your vehicle’s battery.

Red wire to switched accessory terminal

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.

TRC-442 specifications

The Radio Shack TRC-442 is a classic CB (Citizens Band) radio widely recognized for its impressive features and user-friendly design. Launched in the 1980s, the TRC-442 became a popular choice among enthusiasts and casual users alike, thanks to its reliability and performance.

One of the standout features of the TRC-442 is its compact and portable design, making it a perfect fit for both mobile use in vehicles and as a base station at home. The radio operates on the standard 40 CB channels, offering users a range of communication options. With a power output of approximately 4 watts, it provides a solid transmission range, enabling users to communicate with other CB operators over considerable distances.

The radio includes a built-in microphone for hands-free operation and a large, easy-to-read display that shows channel numbers and signal strength. This thoughtful design ensures that users can quickly identify their settings at a glance, enhancing usability. The TRC-442 also features an external speaker jack, allowing users to connect an external speaker for improved audio clarity, particularly beneficial in noisy environments.

The TRC-442 is equipped with essential technical features, including automatic noise limiter (ANL) and squelch controls. The ANL helps minimize background noise, providing clearer audio during transmission and reception. The adjustable squelch control allows users to eliminate unwanted static or noise, ensuring a more enjoyable listening experience.

Another key characteristic of the TRC-442 is its versatility with various transmission modes. It supports AM (Amplitude Modulation) and SSB (Single Sideband) transmission, allowing users to choose the mode that best suits their needs. While AM is the standard for most CB communications, SSB offers increased range and efficiency, making it ideal for long-distance communication.

The TRC-442 also boasts a rugged construction, designed to endure the rigors of both outdoor and vehicular use. Its robust casing protects the internal components, ensuring durability over the years.

In summary, the Radio Shack TRC-442 stands out as a reliable and versatile CB radio. Its compact design, user-friendly features, and exceptional audio quality make it a favorite among CB radio enthusiasts even today. Whether for casual conversations or emergency communications, the TRC-442 remains a noteworthy model in the world of Citizens Band radio.