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

USING THE CB AS A BASE STATION

Although this CB is designed mainly for mobile use, you can also use it as a base station with an AC power source. For base station installation, you need the following items (all avail- able at your local RadioShack store):

•12-volt DC power supply (such as Cat. No. 22-504)

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 in- cluded with the power supply.

•Base station antenna (such as Cat. No. 21-969)

•Coaxial antenna cable and con- nectors

Follow these steps to install the CB as a base station.

Red wire

to switched

accessory terminal

Black wire to vehicle’s

frame or battery (–)

1.Mount the base station antenna as described in its owner’s man- ual.

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 con- tact 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.

2.Route the antenna cable to the CB, then connect the antenna to the ANTENNA jack on the back of the CB.

3.Connect the CB’s black power wire to the negative (–) terminal on the DC power supply.

4.Connect the CB’s red wire, with the in-line fuse, to the positive (+) terminal on the DC power supply.

5.Connect the DC power supply to a standard AC outlet.

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Radio Shack TRC-442 owner manual Using the CB AS a Base Station
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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.
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