Cobra CX312 Two-Way Radio Owner’s Manual

Cobra CX312 Two-Way Radio

Product Information

• Backlit LCD Display
• FRS/GMRS compatibility
• Seven FRS channels
• Eight GMRS channels
• Weather Radio with 38 CTCSS codes and 83 DCS codes
• Battery Level Indicator
• VOX Icon
• Scan Icon
• Roger Beep Icon
• Lock Icon
• Low Power Icon
• DCS/CTCSS Icons
• Weather Icon
• Weather Alert Icon
• DCS/CTCSS Privacy Code Numbers
• Power Saver Icon
• Channel Numbers
• Receive/Transmit Icon

FCC License Requirement| This radio operates on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
frequencies which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
license. See page 15 for licensing and other related
information.
Warranty|

• Limited One-Year Warranty on Radio(s)

• For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.

• You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the
  product for warranty service, but the return charges will be at
  Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under
  warranty.

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

• Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply to any product
  damaged by accident, misuse or abuse of the product, unauthorized
  alterations or repairs, or if the serial number has been altered,
  defaced, or removed. It also does not apply if the owner of the
  product resides outside the U.S.A.

• All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability
  and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the
  length of this warranty.

• Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, or
  other damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting
  from loss of use or cost of installation.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Attach the belt clip to your belt, purse, or backpack.
2. For more information or to order any of our products, visit our website: www.cobra.com
3. For assistance in the U.S.A., you can reach the Automated Help Desk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087 (phone).
4. For customer assistance in English and Spanish, contact the Customer Assistance Operators at 773-889-3087 (phone) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday (except holidays).
5. Questions in English and Spanish can be sent via fax to 773-622-2269 or via email to productinfo@cobra.com.
6. For technical assistance in English, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section on the Cobra website: www.cobra.com. For technical assistance in Spanish, contact productinfo@cobra.com via email.
7. For assistance outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer.

For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website: www.cobra.com

Introduction

Staying in touch with your family and friends is convenient and easy when using your microTALK® radio. Some of the many uses you will discover include: Communicating with others while hiking, biking, and working; keeping track of family and friends at a crowded public event; checking with travel companions in another car; talking with neighbors; arranging meeting spots with others while shopping at the mall.

Secure your microTALK®radio while on the go.

• Carrying your microTALK® radio with you is easy when using the belt clip or optional wrist strap.
• The belt clip easily attaches to your belt, purse, or backpack.

Customer Assistance

For Assistance in the U.S.A.
In this user’s manual, you should find all the information you need to operate your microTALK® radio. If you require further assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:

Automated Help Desk
English only. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).

Customer Assistance Operators
English and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time,
Monday through Friday (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).

Questions
English and Spanish. Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).

Technical Assistance
English only. www.cobra.com (online: Frequently Asked Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A. Contact Your Local Dealer

©2012 Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com

Product Features

1. Antenna
2. External Speaker/ Microphone/Charge Jack
3. Mode/Power Button
4. Weather/Lock Button
5. Channel Up/Down Buttons
6. Backlit LCD Display
7. Speaker/Microphone
8. Volume Up/Down Buttons
9. Light/Max Range Button
10. Talk Button
11. Call Button
12. Wrist Strap Connection
13. Belt Clip
14. Battery Compartment
15. Battery Door Latch

• 22 Channels Seven were shared with FRS/GMRS, seven with FRS only, and eight with GMRS only.
• 10 Channel Weather Radio
• Weather Alert
• 121 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS codes/ 83 DCS codes)
• Hands-Free Operation (VOX)
• Scan Channels, privacy codes
• Backlit LCD Display
• Call Alert Five selectable tones
• Button Lock
• Speaker/ Microphone/ Charge Jack
• Roger Beep Selectable On/Off
• Battery/Power Saver
• Keystroke Tones
• Battery Level Indicator
• Auto Squelch
• Maximum Range Extender

Backlit LCD Display

1. Battery Level Indicator
2. VOX Icon
3. Scan Icon
4. Roger Beep Icon
5. Lock Icon
6. Low Power Icon
7. DCS/CTCSS Icons
8. Weather Icon
9. Weather Alert Icon
10. DCS/CTCSS Privacy Code Numbers
11. Power Saver Icon
12. Channel Numbers
13. Receive/Transmit Icon

Important FCC Licensing Information

• This radio operates on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. See page 15 for licensing and other related information.
• Maximum range may vary and is based on unobstructed line-of-sight communication under ideal conditions.

Warranty and Trademark Acknowledgement

Limited One-Year Warranty on Radio(s)
For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.
Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra microTALK® radios and the component parts thereof will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A. Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective microTALK® radios, products or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt. You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

Exclusions : This limited warranty does not apply:

1. To any product damaged by accident;
2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs;
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed;
4. If the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

For Products Purchased Outside the U.S.A.
Please contact your local dealer for warranty information.

90-Day Warranty on Rechargeable Batteries
For products purchased in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Trademark Acknowledgement
Cobra®, microTALK®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, VibrAlert® and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

Caring for Your microTALK® Radio
Your microTALK® radio will give you years of trouble-free service if cared for properly. Handle the radio gently. Keep the radio away from dust. Never put the radio in water or in a damp place. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

Installing Batteries

To install or replace batteries:

1. Remove the belt clip by releasing the belt clip latch and sliding the clip up.
2. Pull up on the battery door latch to remove the battery compartment cover.
3. Insert three AA rechargeable batteries or non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Position batteries according to polarity markings.
4. Replace the battery compartment cover and belt clip.
   • Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries.
   • Do not mix old and new batteries.
   • Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, etc.) batteries.

To charge batteries in the radio:

1. Check to see that the batteries have been inserted properly.
2. Insert the cable into the charge jack located at the top of the radio.
3. Plug the cable into a USB-compatible power port.

Cobra recommends your radio is turned off while being charged. Non- rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be used in your radio. If you are planning to buy NiMh batteries, please purchase Cobra supplied batteries only.

Using Your Radio

Operation
Quick Start

1. Press and hold the Mode/Power button to turn on your radio.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select a channel. Both radios must be tuned to the same channel/privacy code to communicate.
3. Press and hold the Talk button while speaking into the microphone.
4. When finished talking, release the Talk button and listen for a response.

Turning on Your microTALK® Radio

• Press and hold the Mode/Power button until you hear a series of audible tones indicating the radio is on. Your microTALK® radio is now in Standby mode, ready to receive transmissions. The radio is always in Standby mode except when the Talk, Call or Mode/Power buttons are pressed.

Battery Status Indicator

• The battery charge status is shown on the display. Four bars indicate fully charged.

Battery Low

• When battery power is low, the final bar in the Battery Low icon will blink and an audible tone will sound twice before the radio shuts off. Your batteries should be replaced or recharged if using rechargeable batteries.
  The radio will display a flashing battery icon while charging if the radio is on.

Auto Battery Save

• If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the radio will automatically switch to Power Save mode and the Power Saver icon will flash in the display. This will not affect the radio’s ability to receive incoming transmissions.

Communicating with Another Person

1. Press and hold the Talk button.
2. With the microphone about two inches (5 cm) from your mouth, speak in a normal voice.
3. Release the Talk button when you are finished talking and listen for a response.
   You cannot receive incoming calls while pressing the Talk button
   note Both radios must be tuned to the same channel to communicate.

Select a Channel

• With the radio on, select any of the 22 channels by pressing the Channel Up or Channel Down button.
  Both radios must be tuned to the same channel to communicate.

• Channels 1 through 7 are shared with FRS/ GMRS. Channels 8 through 14 are FRS only. Channels 15 through 22 are GMRS only.
  See page 14 for FRS/GMRS frequency allocations and compatibility charts.

Listening for a Response

• Release the Talk button to receive incoming transmissions. Your microTALK® radio is always in Standby mode while the Talk or Call buttons are not pressed.

To Adjust Volume

• Press the Volume Up or Volume Down button.
• A double beep sound is used to indicate the minimum and maximum volume levels (1 through 8).

Call Button

• Press and release the Call button.
• The other person will hear a two second call tone. This tone is used only to establish voice communications.
  See page 12 on how to select between five call tone settings.

To Illuminate Display

• Press and release the Light/Max Range button to illuminate the display.

Auto Squelch/Maximum Range

• Your microTALK® radio will automatically shut off weak transmissions and unwanted noise due to terrain, conditions or if you’ve reached your

Maximum Range limit.

• You can temporarily turn off auto squelch or turn on maximum range extender, allowing all signals to be received and extending the maximum range of your radio.

To temporarily turn off auto squelch:

• Press the Light/Max Range button for less than five seconds.

To turn the maximum range extender on:

• Press and hold the Light/Max Range button for at least five seconds until you hear two beeps which indicates the maximum range extender is on.

To turn the maximum range extender off:

• Press and release the Light/Max Range button or change channels.

Lock Function

• The Lock function locks the Channel Up, Channel Down and Mode/Power buttons to prevent accidental operation.
• To turn the lock on or off:
  • Press and hold the Lock button for two seconds.
  • A double beep sound is used to confirm your lockon or off request. When in Lock mode, the Lock icon will be displayed.

microTALK® Range
Your range will vary depending on terrain and conditions.

• In flat, open country your radio will operate at maximum range.
• Buildings and foliage in the path of the signal can reduce the range of the radio.
• Dense foliage and hilly terrain will further reduce the range of the radio.
• On FRS Channels 8 through 14, your radio automatically switches to low power, which will limit the range the radio can communicate.
  Remember, you can achieve maximum range by using maximum range extender. See page 4 for details.

Mode Functions

Scrolling Through the Mode Function
By scrolling through the Mode function, you will be able to select or turn on preferred features of your microTALK® radio. When scrolling through the Mode function, your radio features will be displayed in the same predetermined order:

**Privacy Codes

**

Your microTALK radio incorporates two advanced coded squelch systems that can help to reduce interference from other users on any given channel. CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) provides 38 privacy codes and DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) provides 83 privacy codes. This provides a total of 121 Privacy Codes. Either system can be used on all channels, but both systems cannot be used on the same channel at the same time.

• To successfully communicate using a privacy code, both the sending and receiving radios must be tuned to the same channel and to the same privacy code system (CTCSS or DCS) and privacy code number. Each channel will remember the last privacy code system and number you select.
• The privacy code 00 is not a privacy code, but allows all signals to be heard on a channel that is set to 00 on both the CTCSS and DCS systems.

Set CTCSS Privacy Codes

To select a CTCSS privacy code:

1. After selecting a channel, press the Mode/Power button until the CTCSS icon appears and the small numbers next to the channel number flash on the display.
   If DCS is turned on at the channel selected, the display will flash the CTCSS icon and “OFF.” To switch from DCS to CTCSS, press the Channel Up or Channel Down button while the display is flashing “OFF.” The display will then show the small numbers flashing and you will then be able to proceed to step 2.

2. Press using the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select a privacy code. You can hold the Up or Down button for fast advance.

3. When your desired CTCSS privacy code is displayed, choose one of the following:
   a. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   b. Press the Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Set DCS Privacy Codes

To select a DCS privacy code:

1. After selecting a channel, press the Mode/Power button until the DCS icon appears and the small numbers flash on the display (01 through 83).
   If CTCSS is turned on at the channel selected, the display will flash the DCS icon and “OFF.” To switch from CTCSS to DCS, press the Channel Up or Channel Down button while the display is flashing “OFF.” The display will then show the small numbers flashing and you will then be able to proceed to step 2

2. Press using the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select a DCS privacy code. You can hold the Up or Down button for fast advance.

3. When DCS privacy code is displayed, choose one of the following:
   a. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   b. Press the Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Voice Activated Transmit (VOX) In VOX mode, your microTALK® radio can be used “hands-free,” automatically transmitting when you speak. You can set the VOX sensitivity level to fit the volume of your voice and avoid transmissions triggered by background noise.
To turn VOX mode on or off:

1.  Press the Mode/Power button until the VOX icon flashes on the display. The current On or Off setting is displayed.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to turn VOX On or Off.
3. Choose one of the following:
   a. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the selected On or Off setting and proceed to other functions.
   b. Press the Lock button to enter the selected On or Off setting and return to Standby mode.

To set VOX sensitivity:

1. Press the Mode/Power button until the VOX icon flashes and the current sensitivity level is displayed. The current VOX sensitivity level is displayed with letters “LE” and a Number 1 through 5, with Number 5 being the most sensitive level and Number 1 being the least sensitive level.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to change the setting.
3. Choose one of the following:
   a. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the selected setting and proceed to other functions.
   b. Press the Lock button to enter the selected setting and return to Standby mode.

Channel Scan Your microTALK® radio can automatically scan channels.
To scan channels:

1. Press the Mode/Power button until the Scan icon and the channel numbers appear on the display.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to begin scanning channels.
   The radio ignores specific privacy codes while scanning channels.
   The Scan icon will continue to be displayed when scan is on. Your radio will continue to scan all channels and stop if an incoming transmission is detected. Your radio will remain on that channel for 10 seconds.

During scanning (while receiving an incoming transmission), you can choose from the following:

• a. Press and hold the Talk button to communicate on that channel. Your radio will remain on that channel and return to Standby mode.
• b. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to resume scanning channels.
• c. Press the Lock button to return to Standby.

During scanning (while receiving an incoming transmission),you can choose from the following:

• a. Press and hold the Talk button to communicate on that channel/ privacy code. Your radio will remain on that channel/privacy code and return to Standby mode.
• b. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to resume scanning privacy codes. If you do not press any button within 10 seconds, your radio will automatically resume scanning privacy codes.
• c. Press the Lock button to return to Standby.

Privacy Code Scan
Your microTALK radio can automatically scan the Privacy Codes (either CTCSS 01 through 38 or DCS 01 through 83) within one channel. Only one set of privacy codes (CTCSS or DCS) can be scanned at a time

To scan privacy codes:

1. While in Standby mode, press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to choose the channel on which you wish to scan privacy codes.
2. Press the Mode/Power button until either the CTCSS or the DCS icon appears on the display and the Scan icon and the privacy code numbers flash on the display.
3. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to begin scanning privacy codes within the channel you selected

During scanning (while receiving an incoming transmission), you can choose from the following:

• a. Press and hold the Talk button to communicate on that channel/ privacy code. Your radio will remain on that channel/privacy code and return to Standby mode.
• b. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to resume scanning privacy codes. If you do not press any button within 10 seconds, your radio will automatically resume scanning privacy codes.
• c. Press the Lock button to return to Standby.

Five Call Tone Settings
You can choose between five different Call Tone Settings to transmit a call alert.

To change a call tone setting:

1. Press the Mode/Power button until the letter “C” and the current call tone number (01 through 05) is displayed. The current call tone will sound for one second.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to hear the other call tone settings.
3. Choose one of the following:
   a. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   b. Press the Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Roger Beep Confirmation Tone
Your listener will hear an audible tone when you release the Talk button. This alerts the other party that you are finished talking and it is OK for them to speak.

To turn roger beep on or off:

1. Press the Mode/Power button until the Roger Beep icon flashes. The current on or off setting is displayed.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select roger beep on or off.
3. Choose one of the following:
   a. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   b. Press the Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Weather Radio Channels
You can use your micro talk radio to listen to weather channels transmitting in your area

To listen to Weather Radio channels:

1. Press the Weather button until the WX icon and the currently selected weather channel is displayed.
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to change weather channels.
3. The WX weather icon will continue to be displayed when in weather mode.
4. To exit weather mode, press and hold the Weather button until On or Off is displayed.

Weather (WX) Alert Mode
Turning On the Weather Alert function will allow your radio to automatically receive NOAA Hazard Alert radio signals and warnings from designated NOAA broadcast stations. If the radio is turned ON, it will alert to Weather and other emergency alerts broadcast by NOAA.

• This feature is set to OFF by default.
• Make sure the strongest Weather channel is selected for your area using the NOAA All Hazards Radio Channels selection in the previous menu.

To turn the Weather Alert On or Off:

1. Press the Weather/Lock button until the Weather Alert icon flashes on the display. The current On or Off setting is displayed.
2. Press the Channel Up and Channel Down buttons to turn Weather Alert On or Off.
3. Press and hold the Weather/Lock button again to save the new setting and exit the Weather Alert Mode and return to Standby mode
   This radio is rain-resistant to JIS3 standards.

General Specifications and Licensing

General Specifications
FRS/GMRS Frequency Allocation and Compatibility

Important : Please note that Cobra GMRS models with 15 Channels may designate different channel numbers for the same frequency. For example, a Cobra 15 Channel GMRS model would need to be tuned to Channel 11 in order to communicate with a 22 Channel GMRS tuned to Channel 15. Please refer to the chart below for channel/ frequency number compatibility.

• A = Channel No. for 22 Channel FRS/GMRS Models
• B = Channel No. for 15 Channel GMRS Models
• C = Type of Radio Service
• D = Frequency in MHz
• E = Power Output

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FCC LICENSE REQUIRED

This two-way radio operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license. A user must be licensed prior to operating on Channels 1 through 7 on high power or 15 through 22, which comprise the GMRS channels of this radio. Serious penalties could result for unlicensed use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC rules. Operation of this radio is subject to additional rules specified in 47 C.F.R. Part 95.
Licensed users will be issued a call sign by the FCC, which should be used for station identification when operating this radio. GMRS users should also cooperate by engaging in permissible transmissions only, avoiding channel interference with other GMRS users, and being prudent with the length of their transmission time. For licensing information and application forms, please call the FCC Hotline at 800-418-FORM. Request form #159 and form #605. Questions regarding the license application should be directed to the FCC at 888-CALL-FCC. Additional information is available on the FCC’s website at www.fcc.gov. Channels 1 through 7 on low power and channels 8 through 14 comprise the FRS (Family Radio Service). No license is required to operate on the FRS.

Safety Information for talk Radios
Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low-power transmitter. When the talk button is pushed, it sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. The device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%. In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for handheld wireless devices.

Important
FCC RF Exposure Requirements: For body-worn operation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with Cobra accessories supplied or designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines. Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the transmitter and may violate FCC regulations.

Normal Position
Hold the transmitter approximately 2 inches from your face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away.

NOTE

• This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
• FCC Warnings: Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes, or other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by Cobra, may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 95 of the FCC rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.

Product Service

Product Service Questions
For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, or if parts are missing…PLEASE CALL COBRA FIRST…do not return this product to the store. See customer assistance on page A1.

For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.
If your product should require factory service, please call Cobra first before sending your radio. This will ensure the fastest turnaround time on your repair. You may be asked to send your radio to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the following to have the product serviced and returned.

1. For warranty repair include a copy of the original sales receipt. If you send the original receipt, it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclosed a detailed description of the problem along with the name and address of where the product is to be returned.
4. Pack the radio securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or Priority Mail to avoid loss in transit to Cobra Factory Service: Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 U.S.A.
6. If the radio is under warranty, it will be repaired or exchanged depending on the model.

Please allow approximately three to four weeks before contacting Cobra for status. If the radio is out of warranty, a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions, please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.
For Products Purchased Outside the U.S.A.
Please contact your local dealer for product service information.

References

• Communication Radios & Automotive Electronics | Cobra.com
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