General Electric 3-5900 40 Channel Mobile Transmit Receiver Radio User Guide

General Electric 3-5900 40 Channel Mobile Transmit Receiver Radio

RECORD SERIAL NO.
In compliance with various State Laws, and in the event service should be required, you may need both the Model and Serial Numbers to identify your GE unit. Record the Serial Number (located on the cabinet back) in the space below.

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Use this diagram for familiarization and ready reference.

• HELP… FROM GENERAL ELECTRIC…A two-way citizens band (CB) radio system that includes:
• Two-way radio that operates on all 40 CB channels with a full 4 watts of output power (maximum allowed by FCC)
• Plug-in powerful magnetic base antenna – for use on metal car roof or hood
• Plug in 12V DC Car adapter – plugs into cigarette lighter holder
• Durable plastic travel case – for easy portability and storage

No tools are required because “Set-up” for quick use, is as easy as 1-2-3. Therefore…you can use this emergency/information radio whenever you want it…including for emergency assistance to report an accident, for road information, for directions or any other needed communications. Other times. ” HELP! ” stores conveniently in your car’s trunk, and in some cars and trucks under the seat, in the glove compartment, or almost anywhere…until you want it again.

Please read all instructions thoroughly before installing or operating your CB Transceiver.

FCC License Requirement:
Under federal law, you need an FCC class D citizens radio service license. Please fill out the enclosed form 505 license application and mail it promptly to the FCC Gettysburg, Pa. 17326. Meanwhile, the enclosed form 555B temporary permit allows you to operate your CB radio system until you receive your license.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove the antenna and car adapter from the travel case.
2. Fully extend the antenna and place its magnetic base on the vehicle’s roof. If vinyl roof or convertible top, place a magnetic base on the hood of the vehicle. Be sure the antenna plug is inserted into the antenna jack on the radio bottom.
3. Insert the 12V DC car adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter holder.

Note:
Since all cigarette lighter holders are not identical, it may be necessary to pull the car adapter out, slightly rotate it, and then reinsert it for positive contact. Make sure the 12V DC power plug is inserted into the 12V DC jack. The DC jack is located on the radio bottom.

Receive (listen):

1. Turn ON-OFF/VOLUME CONTROL clockwise until it clicks on. Continue turning to increase loudness.
2. Rotate CHANNEL SWITCH to emergency channel 9, or other desired channel.
3. Slide RECEIVING RANGE CONTROL over to “Distant’. You should hear a distinct hissing noise from the speaker.

Transmit (talk);

1. Depress PUSH TO TALK BAR and say “Break channel 9 for emergency” (or for highway assistance).
   Note: Do not shout into the mic or hold it against your mouth as this will cause your voice to sound distorted or garbled.

2. Release the PUSH TO TALK BAR. When someone responds, state your problem using plain English language (you don’t have to use “CB Lingo”). Do not give your location until you establish contact with a person or organization who can provide assistance.

3. If you get no response after several at- tempts, try any channel where you hear conversation and break in.

FACTS ABOUT CHANNEL 9
A major beneficial use of CB radio is that it is used for public safety purposes.

The FCC has issued “Call Signs” to many Public Safety Agencies. These call signs include the number “0911”, which coincides with the “911” telephone number increasingly used by various Public Safety Agencies (such as the State Police). The “Call Signs” for State-level Agencies have 3 letters, the second and third letters being the official Post Office State Abbreviation, followed by “0911” For example, KMO-0911 is the call sign for Missouri; KNY-0911 is the call sign for New York. “Break 9 for KNY-0911” will put you in touch with a Public Safety Agency, if you need assistance in New York. You may use these “Call Signs” to put you in touch with a Public Safety Agency in any state by using appropriate State Ab- breviations. Although many Agencies monitor CB Emergency Channel 9, the direct response still depends on the distance between you and their location.

Many persons have CB base station radios in their homes. If you need assistance, you can try to reach a home base station. If someone with a home base station responds a relative or friend to come to your aid. you use this method of gaining assistance, DO NOT USE EMERGENCY CHANNEL 9. You may use any of the other channels.

Remember, channel 9 is used only for EMERGENCY.

POWER CONNECTION NOTE:
This unit is designed for 12-volt DC operation with negative ground electrical systems. Most U.S. and foreign-made cars and small trucks in 1956 or newer use a negative ground system.

OPTIONAL ANTENNAS FOR PERMANENT INSTALLATION
If you desire permanent antenna installation for your CB Transceiver, use an antenna specially designed for a frequency of 27 MHz. These antennas are purchased separately and include their own installation instructions. To use standard CB antennas, you will need adapter No. 5-1832. See ACCESSORY ORDER FORM.

USING THE CONTROLS/FEATURES

1. Receiving Range Control:

   • This adjustment is to eliminate static noise (hissing) and weak background signals. With control in the LOCAL position, the Transmit signal of other units must be strong (close by) in order to activate your Receiver. To receive only strong, clear signals, set control towards the LOCAL position, but to receive (monitor) all transmissions, slide it to the DISTANT position. (When weak or no transmissions are being received, continuous atmospheric noise will be heard. If the noise is objectionable, turn the control again to point where the noise just stops.)
   • Experiment with the RECEIVING RANGE CONTROL settings until you find a position where the hissing noise just stops.
     Note: VOLUME and RECEIVING RANGE settings only affect your receiving (listening) capabilities. They do not affect your transmitting capabilities (strength or range of your voice). The Receiving Range control is sometimes referred to as “Squelch Control.”

2. Receive – Transmit Led Meter;
   This LED (light emitting diode) METER works as follows:

   • When Receiving (RX), it indicates the relative incoming signal strength.
   • The 1st segment on the meter will glow when PUSH. TO TALK button is depressed without modulation (voice).
   • Segments 2 to 4 indicate the relative modulation (voice) from your CB. During your Transmission (TX), while talking into the Microphone, the Meter should randomly “peak” lighting all 4 segments. If they do not occasionally light, speak louder or hold the unit closer to your mouth.

3. Push to Talk Bar:

   • Press to talk, release to listen
   • Do not press without talking. This would still send a signal out and result in interference to other users. (Violation of CB rule 23)

4. Channel Selection Switch

   • Turn to select any of the 40 CB channels.

5. Led Channel Display

   • Shows which channel you have selected.

FORMS PACKED WITH CB

• FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 95.
• FCC Form 505 license application.
• FCC Form 555-B temporary permit.

STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT CB

You do not have to know any “CB Lingo” to talk on a CB radio. Ordinary language is fine. For example, you may hear “10-code” such as “10-4″ or *10-7” used in CB communications. This is not necessary. As a matter orfact, use of the “10-code” is not recommended when using emergency channel 9.

• The effective range depends on several factors:
  • the type of antenna used
  • antenna mounting height
  • terrain, a city with tall buildings, hills, or other obstructions reduces range. The best range is over water or flat land.
  • weather conditions and
  • a number of other CB’ers on the same channel at the same time.
• Weather and atmospheric conditions such as lightning, sun spots, and other electrical interference will result in strong static and limit TRANSMIT and RECEIVE range.
• “Skip’ (long-distance communications) is possible when the CB signal is reflected back from ionized at. atmosphere. See CB Rule 23.

The relative range, under normal and favorable conditions, is shown below. This should not be taken as a minimum range of performance, but rather as what can be expected under favorable circumstances and proper antenna mounting.

• MOBILE TO MOBILE: 2 to 8 km (1-5 mi.) on land and up to 16 km (10 mi.) across water.
• BASE TO MOBILE: 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) on land and up to 24km (15 mi.) across water.
• BASE TO BASE: Up to 32km (20 mi.), depending on the type of antenna, height, and terrain.

EXCESSIVE NOISE INTERFERENCE

• Position the antenna as far away from CB as possible.
• The hissing or static received with RECEIVING RANGE control in the DISTANT position is normal.
• Atmospheric conditions sometimes cause a broadcast signal to “Skip” resulting in unwanted interference from distant CB broadcasts.
• A garbled “Donald Duck’ type voice may indicate SSB (single side band) transmission on your channel. Select an alternate clear channel. (Common SSB channels are channels 16 and 36 through 40)

SERVICE CHECKLIST

In case of difficulty, use the following list before seeking service.

• NO SOUND/NO CHANNEL LIGHTS/NO METER LIGHT
• NO SOUND/HAVE CHANNEL LIGHT
• RECEIVING POORLY _WEAK SIGNALS
• DISTORTED OR UNCLEAR SOUND
• WEAK OR NO TRANSMITTER OUTPUT

FUSE REPLACEMENT

Twist to open the 2 Amp fuse holder.

2-WAY MOUNT SYSTEM

1. With MIC HANGER, (located on the back) unit can also be hung from any convenient knob in your car for easy use, i.e., ‘cigarette lighter, radio knob, etc. Of course, the unit can also be used in the storage case.
2. If you prefer, use the mounting system (located on the back) as shown in the sketch.

FCC WARNING

Do not attempt to disassemble this cabinet. This product can be serviced only by qualified servicers who have a First or Second Class FCC Radiotelephone Operators License. Transmitter servicing is prohibited by FCC Rules unless you hold such a license or are under the supervision of a First or Second-Class Licensed Radiotelephone Operator. When service is performed by an authorized and licensed servicer, care must be taken in the replacement of parts to use only authorized parts in order not to void the type acceptance in accordance with Part 95 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. It is the user’s responsibility to see that this unit is operating at all times in accordance with the FCC Citizens Radio Service regulations.

CARE
The cabinet should be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with water only. Never use a polish or strong cleaning agent on the cabinet, since these can damage its finish.

CAUTION
Extreme temperatures such as those found near a hot radiator or on a car seat when it’s parked in the summer sun, may damage cabinet or components in your unit.

SERVICE
Attach your sales receipt to this booklet for future reference or jot down the date this product was purchased or received as a gift. This information will be valuable if service should be required during the warranty period.

• Purchase Date
• Name of Store

WARRANTY

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY FULL NINETY DAY WARRANTY
General Electric Company warrants this product to be free of manufacturing defects for a 90-day period after the original date of consumer purchase or receipt as a gift. This warranty does not include damage to the product resulting from an accident or misuse.

If the product should become defective within the warranty period, we will elect to repair or replace it free of charge, including free return transportation, provided it is delivered prepaid to any General Electric authorized service facility. There is a nationwide network of authorized service facilities whose names and addresses are included ed with this product. Any questions regarding warranty service (or out-of-warranty service) can be directed to: Manager-Consumer Services, General Electric Company, Audio Electronics Products Department, Bullding #5, Electronics Park, Syracuse, New York 13221.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

PRINTED IN JAPAN.

References

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