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Cat. No. 21-1585A
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
TRC-488
40-CHANNEL 2-WAY CB RADIO
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CONTENTS
Installation ............................................................................................................ 4
Mounting the TRC-488 .................................................................................... 4
Mounting the Microphone Holder .................................................................... 5
Connections ......................................................................................................... 6
Connecting the Microphone ............................................................................ 6
Connecting an Optional External Speaker ...................................................... 6
Connecting Power ........................................................................................... 7
Using Vehicle Battery Power .................................................................... 7
Using Standard AC Power ........................................................................ 7
Installing an Antenna ...................................................................................... 8
Adjusting the Antenna’s SWR ......................................................................... 9
Operation ............................................................................................................ 10
Setting Squelch ............................................................................................. 10
Using Automatic Noise Limiting .................................................................... 10
Listening to Weather Broadcasts .................................................................. 10
Receiving Transmissions on the Channels ................................................... 11
Transmitting .................................................................................................. 12
CB Tips ............................................................................................................... 13
Common Uses for a CB Radio ...................................................................... 13
Business Uses ........................................................................................ 13
Personal Uses ........................................................................................ 13
CB Courtesy .................................................................................................. 13
Using Common 10-Codes ............................................................................. 14
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 15
Maximum Range ........................................................................................... 16
Reducing Noise ............................................................................................. 16
Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 17
Replacing the Fuses ..................................................................................... 18
FCC Information ............................................................................................ 18
Specifications .................................................................................................... 19
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INSTALLATION
Follow these steps to mount the CB
using the supplied bracket, screws,
washers, and knobs.
MOUNTING THE TRC-488
If you use the TRC-488 as a base sta-
tion, you can mount it on a desk, shelf,
or table.
1. Using the mounting bracket as a
template, mark the positions for
the screw holes.
The most common mounting location
for the CB is under a vehicle’s dash-
board. If you use the TRC-488 in a ve-
hicle, mount it securely to avoid
damage to the CB or vehicle or injury
to anyone in the vehicle during sudden
starts or stops.
(illus)
When you mount the CB in a vehicle,
make sure:
• You can easily reach the CB.
2. In each marked location, drill a
hole slightly smaller than the sup-
plied screws.
• Its wires and cables do not inter-
fere with any of the vehicle’s mov-
ing parts.
Caution: Be careful not to drill into
any objects behind the mounting
surface.
• The CB is not directly in front of
heating vents.
• All wires and cables reach their
connection points.
3. Using
a
Phillips screwdriver,
attach the mounting bracket to the
mounting location with the sup-
plied screws and lock washers.
(illus)
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4. Attach the CB to the mounting
bracket using the supplied rubber
washers and mounting knobs.
(illus)
MOUNTING THE
MICROPHONE HOLDER
With a Phillips screwdriver and the
supplied screws and washers, attach
the supplied microphone holder to the
CB’s right side.
(illus)
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CONNECTIONS
Caution: Never pull on the micro-
phone cable.
CONNECTING THE
MICROPHONE
1. Make sure the pins on the micro-
phone cable’s plug are aligned
with the holes in the CB’s MICRO-
PHONE jack on the CB’s left side
and insert the plug into the jack.
CONNECTING AN
OPTIONAL EXTERNAL
SPEAKER
You can connect an external speaker
to the CB.
Notes:
(illus)
• You must use an 8-ohm speaker
capable of handling up to 5 watts
of power (such as Radio Shack
Cat. No. 21-549).
2. Slide the microphone onto the
microphone holder.
• The speaker’s cable must have a
1/8-inch plug.
To connect an external speaker, sim-
ply plug the speaker’s cable into the
CB’s EXT jack.
(illus)
(illus)
To disconnect the microphone cable,
press and hold down the small tab on
the microphone plug, then pull out the
plug.
Note: When you connect an external
speaker, the CB’s internal speaker dis-
connects.
(illus)
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BATT +
5. Connect the orange
wire,
CONNECTING POWER
with in-line fuse, to your vehicle
battery’s positive (+) terminal or to
a point in the vehicle’s fuse box
fuse that provides a continuous
source of 12 volts even when the
ignition is turned off.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
Follow these steps to power the CB
from your vehicle’s battery.
1. Make sure the CB is turned off.
2. Disconnect the cable from your
–
vehicle battery’s negative ( ) ter-
minal.
(illus)
GROUND
3. Connect the black
wire
to a metal part of your vehicle’s
frame.
This connection is for last-channel
memory backup.
(illus)
6. Reconnect the cable to the vehi-
–
cle battery’s negative ( ) terminal.
Using Standard AC Power
Note: Be sure the metal part is not
insulated from the vehicle’s frame
by a plastic part.
You can power the CB from a standard
AC outlet using a 12-volt DC power
supply (such as Cat. No. 22-120)
TO SWITCHED
4. Connect the red
ACCESSORY
wire, with in-line
Caution: Most 12-volt DC power sup-
plies 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 includ-
ed with the power supply.
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.
1. Make sure the CB is turned off.
(illus)
2. Make sure the power supply is
turned off.
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3. Connect the black GROUND wire
to the DC power supply’s negative
(–) terminal.
INSTALLING AN
ANTENNA
: To prevent damage to your
Caution
CB, you must connect an antenna to
the CB before you operate it.
(illus)
: Your local Radio Shack store
Note
sells a variety of CB antennas for both
mobile and base-station use, and co-
axial antenna cable and connectors.
For the best performance, consider the
following when deciding on an antenna
and its location:
4. Connect both the red TO
SWITCHED
ACCESSORY
and
orange BATT + wires, with in-line
fuses, to the DC power supply’s
positive (+) terminal.
• The antenna and cable should be
as far as possible away from
sources of electrical noise.
• The antenna should be located
vertically and as high as possible.
(illus)
Follow these steps to connect an an-
tenna.
1. Follow the mounting instructions
that come with the antenna.
: Use extreme caution
Warning
These wires supply power to oper-
ate your CB and backup the last-
channel memory.
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,
your 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.
5. Connect the DC power supply to a
standard AC outlet.
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2. Route the cable between the
antenna and the CB.
ADJUSTING THE
ANTENNA’S SWR
3. Connect the cable to the
ANTENNA jack on the back of the
CB.
To achieve your CB’s maximum range,
the antenna’s Standing Wave Ratio
(SWR) should be adjusted 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.
(illus)
: Do not run the cable:
Caution
• Over sharp edges or moving parts
that might damage the cable
• Next to power cables or other CB
antenna cables
• Through the engine compartment
or other areas that produce
extreme heat
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OPERATION
SETTING SQUELCH
USING AUTOMATIC
NOISE LIMITING
Caution: Do not attempt to use your
CB without first connecting it to an an-
tenna.
If you hear low-level popping noises
while receiving transmissions, slide
ANL/OFF to ANL to turn on the auto-
matic noise limiting circuit. Otherwise,
leave ANL/OFF set to OFF (see “Re-
ducing Noise” on Page 16).
1. Turn VOLUME clockwise until it
clicks to turn on the CB, then set it
to about halfway between the min-
imum and maximum settings. The
CB tunes to the last-selected
channel.
(illus)
(illus)
LISTENING TO
WEATHER
BROADCASTS
2. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclock-
wise. You hear background noise
and the green BUSY LED lights.
The FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) has allocated 11 chan-
nels for use by the National Oceano-
graphic and Atmospheric Admin-
istration (NOAA). NOAA broadcasts
your local forecast and regional weath-
er information on one or more of these
channels in your area.
(illus)
3. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable
setting.
4. Turn SQUELCH clockwise just until
the background noise stops.
Note: To receive weaker transmis-
sions, turn SQUELCH counter-
clockwise.
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Your TRC-488 receives the following
frequencies available to NOAA:
2. To select the emergency channel
(9), slide CH9/OUT to CH9. CH9
flashes on the display.
162.400 MHz
162.425 MHz
162.450 MHz
162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz
162.525 MHz
162.550 MHz
(illus)
To select one of the seven available
weather channels, set the mode selec-
tor to W1-W7. The yellow WX LED
lights.
: The emergency chan-
Important
nel is used for reporting and moni-
toring emergency information
about accidents, hazardous road
conditions, etc. Do not use Chan-
nel 9 for non-emergency mes-
sages.
(illus)
: You cannot receive trans-
Note
missions on Channel 9 when the
mode selector is set to any of the
W1-W7 weather channels.
3. To select one of the other 39
channels, slide CH9/OUT to OUT.
Turn CHANNEL to select the
desired channel. The channel
number appears on the LED
channel display.
RECEIVING
TRANSMISSIONS ON
THE CHANNELS
After setting squelch, follow these
steps to receive transmissions.
1. Set the mode selector to CB.
(illus)
(illus)
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4. If necessary, turn RF.GAIN clock-
wise to increase the signal sensi-
tivity.
4. Hold the microphone 2 or 3 inches
from your mouth, then press and
hold down the microphone talk
button and speak into the micro-
phone in a normal voice. The red
TX indicator lights.
(illus)
(illus)
To turn off the TRC-488, turn VOLUME
counterclockwise until you hear it click.
: Do not speak too loudly
Note
when transmitting. It does not
make your signal any stronger,
and might distort your transmis-
sion.
(illus)
5. When you finish transmitting,
release the microphone talk but-
ton. You can now receive trans-
missions.
TRANSMITTING
6. To turn off the TRC-488, turn VOL-
UME counterclockwise until you
hear it click.
We recommend you spend some time
receiving transmissions before you try
to transmit a message yourself.
Follow these steps to transmit.
1. Set the mode selector to CB.
2. Slide CH9/OUT to OUT.
3. Turn CHANNEL to the desired
channel.
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CB TIPS
Like any other activity, CB radio has its
rules and courtesies. The following tips
will help you get the most enjoyment
out of your CB.
plan a get-together. You can even
meet new friends this way.
• Ever have car trouble or run out of
gas on the highway? It’s a relief to
be able to use the CB to call for
assistance.
COMMON USES FOR A
CB RADIO
• Camping, fishing, or other sports
are more fun with a CB. Locate a
buddy or find out “what’s cooking”
back at camp.
Business Uses
• Truck drivers and delivery person-
nel use it to get road and traffic
conditions and obtain assistance
in locating destinations. A CB is
good company on those “long
hauls.”
CB COURTESY
Please follow these guidelines of radio
courtesy when using your CB.
• Wait for a pause in someone
else’s transmission before you
ask for a break.
• Construction crews use it to call
for additional materials or for coor-
dinating the activities of different
work crews.
• If you do not receive an answer to
your call after a second attempt,
sign off and wait several minutes
before trying again.
• To security officers, a CB is more
than a convenience — it is a must
for both safety and efficiency.
• Do not hold down the microphone
talk button when you are not talk-
ing. (This is called dead keying.)
Personal Uses
• Assist callers with directions,
information about road conditions,
• Keep in touch with home while
driving to work, to the store, or to
a social activity. Let your family
know you are tied up in traffic or
that you will stop by the store on
the way home.
and
any
other
reasonable
requests.
• CBs are great on trips to commu-
nicate with family members while
they are in separate cars.
• Contact friends or neighbors —
find out “what’s happening” or
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USING COMMON 10-CODES
Citizen’s band operators have largely adopted the 10-codes for standard questions
and answers. These codes permit faster communication and better intelligibility in
noisy areas. The following table lists some of the more common codes and their
meanings.
Code
Meaning
Code
Meaning
10-1
Receiving poorly/Cannot
understand your message
10-18
10-19
10-20
10-21
10-22
Urgent
Contact ______________
What is your location?
10-2
Receiving well/Your signal is
good
Call _________ by telephone
10-3
10-4
Stop transmitting
Cancel/disregard previous
message
OK/Message received and
understood
10-23
10-24
10-25
10-26
Arrived at the destination
Assignment complete
10-5
10-6
Relay information to _______
I am busy or are you busy?
Out of service
Meet ________________
10-7
Estimated time of arrival is
__________
10-8
In service
10-9
Repeat last message
Negative/No or standing by
__________ in service
Stand by
10-29
10-30
Check records
10-10
10-11
10-12
10-13
Use caution/Unauthorized
use of radio
10-31
10-33
Pick up
Request/report road/weather
conditions
Emergency/Clear the chan-
nel
10-14
10-15
10-16
10-17
Information
10-34
10-36
10-41
What time is it?
Message delivered
Reply to message
En route
The correct time is ________
Switch to Channel ________
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TROUBLESHOOTING
If your CB is not working as it should, follow the suggestions below to try to eliminate
the problem. If the CB is still not working properly, take the CB to your local Radio
Shack store for assistance.
Problem
Solution
Trouble with reception.
• Be sure the CB is turned on.
• Be sure VOLUME is turned up.
• Be sure SQUELCH is adjusted properly.
• Be sure the microphone is securely con-
nected to the CB.
• Be sure the antenna cable is securely con-
nected to both the antenna and the CB.
Trouble with transmission.
• Be sure the microphone is securely con-
nected to the CB.
• Extend the antenna to its full length.
• Clean and tighten all connectors.
• Be sure you are fully pressing the micro-
phone talk button.
• Be sure the antenna cable is securely con-
nected to both the antenna and the CB.
No channel selection.
Be sure CH9/OUT is set to OUT.
Check the power supply (either vehicle or stan-
dard AC) and in-line fuses (replace only with
identical fuses; see “Replacing the Fuses” on
Page 18).
CB does not work at all.
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If you operate the TRC-488 with the
vehicle’s engine off, you should not
have any problems with noise. If you
use the CB with the engine on, you can
determine the source of the noise by
turning off the engine and operating
the CB with the ignition set to ACC. If
most or all of the noise goes away, the
problem is in your vehicle’s ignition or
electrical system.
MAXIMUM RANGE
The maximum range and quality of CB
transmissions vary depending on:
• The type and quality of antenna
used.
• The height of the antenna’s
mounting location (the higher the
antenna, the better the reception).
• The surrounding terrain (moun-
tains and tall buildings limit the
range).
Here are a few hints to help you reduce
or eliminate such noise:
• Replace old ignition wires with
new, high-voltage, noise-suppres-
sion wires.
• The weather conditions.
• The number of nearby CBs oper-
ating on the same channel.
• Install noise suppressors on your
spark plugs, or install new spark
plugs that have built-in suppres-
sors.
• The standing wave ratio (SWR)
between the antenna and the CB.
You can set the SWR by using an
SWR tester (such as Radio Shack
Cat. No. 21-523). Follow the
instructions that come with the
SWR tester.
• Be sure that the ground connec-
tion (black wire) is secure.
If problems persist, check your alterna-
tor/generator, regulator, and gauges.
Noise from these sources can be re-
duced or eliminated using bypass ca-
pacitors at the various output voltage
points.
REDUCING NOISE
The Automatic Noise Limiting (ANL)
circuit helps keep background noise to
a minimum. However, strong sources
of noise, such as your vehicle’s igni-
tion, another radio, or spark plugs may
be more than the circuit can compen-
sate for.
Your local Radio Shack store has a
wide selection of noise-suppression
accessories.
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MAINTENANCE
Your TRC-488 40-Channel 2-Way CB Radio is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your CB so you can
enjoy it for years.
Keep the CB dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might
contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.
Handle the CB gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit
boards and cases and can cause the CB to work improperly.
Use and store the CB only in normal temperature environments.
Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices and
distort or melt plastic parts.
Keep the CB away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature
wear of parts.
Wipe the CB with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.
CLEANER
Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents
to clean the CB.
Modifying or tampering with the CB’s internal components can cause a malfunction
and might invalidate your CB’s warranty. If your CB is not performing as it should,
take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance.
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REPLACING THE FUSES
FCC INFORMATION
The TRC-488’s red wire 2-amp in-line
fuse helps protect your CB from power
surges and short-circuits. If the fuse
has blown, replace it with a 2-amp,
fast-acting glass fuse (such as Cat.
No. 270-1007).
The Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC) does not require you to
have a license to operate this CB.
However, the FCC does require you to
read and know Part 95 of FCC Rules.
These rules apply to the operation of a
class D CB. A copy of these regula-
tions is included with your CB.
The orange wire’s 1-amp in-line fuse
helps protect your CB’s memory chan-
nel backup from power surges and
short-circuits. If the fuse has blown, re-
place it with a 1-amp, fast-acting glass
fuse (such as Cat. No. 270-1005).
Warning: Do not open your CB to
make any internal adjustments. Inter-
nal adjustments and/or modifications
can lead to illegal operation as defined
by Part 95 of FCC Rules. Such illegal
operation can lead to very serious con-
sequences.
Follow these steps to replace either
fuse.
1. Make sure the power source and
CB are both off.
To be safe and sure:
• Never open your CB’s case.
• Never modify your CB.
2. Hold the fuse holder by both ends,
push the fuse holder ends
together, then turn counterclock-
wise and release either end. The
fuse holder opens.
Your CB might cause TV or radio inter-
ference even when it is operating prop-
erly. To determine whether your CB is
causing the interference, turn off your
CB. If the interference goes away, your
CB is causing the interference. Try to
eliminate the interference by:
(illus)
• Moving your CB away from the
receiver.
• Contacting your local Radio
Shack store for help.
3. Replace the fuse with one of the
same type and rating.
If you cannot eliminate the interfer-
ence, the FCC requires that you stop
using your CB.
4. Push the fuse holder ends
together, then turn the large end
clockwise. The fuse holder closes.
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SPECIFICATIONS
RECEIVER
Weather Frequency Coverage .............................................................162.400 MHz
162.425 MHz
162.450 MHz
162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz
162.525 MHz
162.550 MHz
Frequency Coverage ..................................................All 40 CB Channels (Class D)
26.965 to 27.405 MHz
Sensitivity ............................................................0.7 µV or better for 10 dB (S+N)/N
Adjacent Channel Rejection .......................................................... 50 dB (at 10 kHz)
Audio Output.............................................................................. 4.5 Watts (Nominal)
Frequency Response ............................................................................450-2500 Hz
Intermediate Frequency...............................................................1st IF: 10.695 MHz
2nd IF: 455.00 kHz
Cross Modulation..............................................................................................50 dB
Squelch.................................................................... Adjustable from 0.6 µV to 1 mV
TRANSMITTER
Frequency Coverage ..................................................All 40 CB Channels (Class D)
26.965 to 27.405 MHz
Output Power......................................................................4 Watts (FCC Maximum)
Type of Modulation ............................AM Double-Sideband, Full Carrier Modulation
Modulation Capability .......................................................................................+90%
Spurious Emission......................................................................... Less than –65 dB
Frequency Tolerance .....................................................................................0.002%
Antenna Impedance ..................................................................................... 50 Ohm
Current Drain (13.8 volt supply)....................................... 1 Amp with No Modulation
1.5 Amps with Full Modulation
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GENERAL
Power Requirements ........................................... 12-16 Volts DC, Negative Ground
Dimensions .......................................................... 113/16 ¥ 513/16 ¥ 71/2 Inches (HWD)
(46 ¥ 147 ¥ 190 mm)
Weight............................................................................................... 2 lb 2 oz (1 Kg)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to
change and improvement without notice.
RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY
This product is warranted against defects for 90 days from date of pur-
chase from Radio Shack company-owned stores and authorized Radio
Shack franchisees and dealers. Within this period, we will repair it with-
bring your Radio Shack sales
out charge for parts and labor. Simply
slip
as proof of purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty does
not cover transportation costs. Nor does it cover a product subjected to
misuse or accidental damage.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK MAKES NO
EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIM-
ITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED
WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. Some states do not permit limita-
tion or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limita-
tion(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
We Service What We Sell
9/94
RADIO SHACK
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
10A6
Printed in Thailand
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