Cobra ACXT390 Two Way Radio Owner’s Manual

Cobra ACXT390 Two Way Radio

INTRODUCTION

Making Life Easier and Safer

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 micro TALK® 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

Product Service & Support

• In this user’s guide, you should find all the information you need to operate your microTALK® radio. If you require further assistance after reading this guide, Cobra offers the following customer assistance services:
• For Assistance In The U.S.A.
• For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT COBRA FIRST … do not return this product to the retail store.
• The contact information for Cobra will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and use the product. For the latest contact information, please go to www.cobra.com/support or call 1-800-543-1608.
• If your product should require factory service, please go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions.

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

Features

• 22 Channels
• 10 Channel NOAA All Hazards 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
• Belt Clip

Backlit LCD Display

1. Battery Level Indicator
2. VOXlcon
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

Maximum range may vary based on unobstructed line-of-sight communication under ideal conditions.

Caring for Your microTALK'” Radio

If cared for properly, your micro TALK® radio will give you years of trouble- free service. Handle the radio gently. Keep the radio away from dust. Never put the radio in water or 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 the supplied 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 at the radio’s top.
3. Plug the cable into a USB-compatible power port.

Use only the supplied rechargeable batteries and charger for recharging your Cobra micro TALK® radio. Cobra recommends your radio be turned off while being charged. Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be used in your radio.

OPERATION

Using Your Radio

For charging micro talk radio(s) in desktop charger:

1. Insert radio(s) into the desktop charger as shown.
2. Insert the micro-USB cable into the jack on the back of the charger.
3. Plug the cable into a USB-compatible power port.
   • If the charging light is not on, check the position of the radio. The radio should be upright. The charge indicator light will stay on as long as the radio is in the charging well, and the light will go off when the charging is complete.
   • Note: To charge a single radio, you can bypass the desktop charger and simply insert the micro-USB connector directly into the charge jack located on the top of the radio.
   • The radio will display a flashing battery icon while charging.
   • Cobra recommends your radio be turned off while being charged. Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be used in your radio.

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 normally in Standby mode except when the Talk, Call, or Weather 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.
   • Both radios must be tuned to the same channel to communicate.

To 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.

Listening for a Response

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

To Adjust Volume

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

Call Button

• Press and release the Call button.
• The other person will hear a three-second call tone. This tone is used only to establish voice communications.
  • 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 mute 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 the 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, Weather, and Mode/Power 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 lock on 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 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 a 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 micro TALK® radio. When scrolling through the Mode function, your radio features will be displayed in the same predetermined order:

• Set CTCSS Privacy Codes
• Set DCS Privacy Codes
• Set Vox On/Off
• Set Vox Sensitivity
• Set Channel Scan
• Set CTCSS Privacy Code Scan
• Set DCS Privacy Code Scan
• Set Call Tones
• Set Roger Beep On/Off

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 transmitting 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 “DFF.” 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 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 return to Standby mode.
   • c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to 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 (00 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 return to Standby mode.
   • c. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new settings and to return to Standby mode.

Voice Activated Transmit (VOX)

In VOX mode, your micro TALK® 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 new setting and proceed to other functions.
   • b. Press the Lock button to 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 the letters “L” and Numbers 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 return to Standby mode.

Channel Scan

Your micro TALK® 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 the 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 5 seconds after the last incoming transmission.
   • 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.

Privacy Code Scan

Your micro TALK® 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 5 seconds after the last incoming transmission, your radio will automatically resume scanning.
   • 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) are 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 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 have 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 return to Standby mode.
   • b. Press the Lock button to return to Standby mode.

*NOAA AH Hazards Radio Channels**

You can use your microTALK® radio to listen to NOAA All Hazards Radio channels transmitting in your area.

To listen to All Hazards Radio channels:

1. Press the Weather/Lock button once, the All Hazards Radio icon and the currently selected All Hazards Radio channel are displayed.
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to change All Hazards Radio channels.
3. The All Hazards Radio icon will continue to be displayed when All Hazards Radio is on.
4. To exit All Hazards Radio, press and hold the Weather button.
   • National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration

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 twice 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 the Weather Alert On or Off.
3. Press and hold the Weather/Lock button again to save the new setting exit the Weather Alert Mode and return to Standby mode.

General Specifications

Frequency Allocation

• A = Channel No. for 22 Channel Models
• B = Frequency in MHz
• C = Power Output

FCC

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. 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.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used by the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/JV technician for help.

Safety Information for Micro 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 two (2) inches from your face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away.

FCC Part 15.21 Warning Statement

NOTE: THE GRANTEE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

ICRSS-GEN

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Radiation Exposure Statement:

• Under ISEDC regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using the antenna that is affixed to the radio transmitter. Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the transmitter and may void the user’s authority to operate the radio.
• Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s ability to operate the equipment.
• SAR tests are conducted using standard operating positions accepted by the FCC/ISEDC with the device transmitting at its highest certified power level in all tested frequency bands.
• Although the SAR is determined at the highest certified power level, the actual SAR level of the device while operating can be well below the maximum value.
• This device has been tested and certified to not exceed the exposure limit established by the FCCASEDC. Tests for each device are performed in positions and locations (e.g. at the ear and worn on the body) as required by the FCC/ISEDC.
• For body-worn operation, this device has been tested and meets the FCC/ISEDC RF exposure guidelines when used with an accessory designated for this product or when used with an accessory that contains no metal and that positions the handset a minimum of 10mm from the body. Non-compliance with the above restrictions may result in a violation of RF exposure guidelines.

Warranty

Warranty & Trademark Acknowledgment Limited One-Year Warranty

• Cobra warrants your product against all defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of original purchase.
• Cobra, at our sole discretion, will repair or replace your product (with the same or comparable product) free of charge.
• Cobra will not pay the shipping charges that you incur for sending your product to us. Products received COD will be refused.
• To make a warranty claim, we will require proof of purchase in the form of an invoice or receipt. No proof of purchase is required for factory-direct purchases.

Warranty Exclusions:

Warranty does not apply to your product under any of the following conditions:

1. The serial number has been removed or modified.
2. Your product has been subjected to misuse or damage (including water damage, physical abuse, and/or improper installation).
3. Your product has not been modified in any way.
4. Your receipt or proof-of-purchase is from a non-authorized dealer or internet auction site including E-bay, LI-bid, or other non-authorized resellers.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY: EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, YOU ARE ACQUIRING THE PRODUCT “AS IS” AND “WHERE IS”, WITHOUT REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY. COBRA SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS by REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE CONCERNING THE MERCHANTABILITY AND SUITABILITY OF THE PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. COBRA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE, MISUSE OR MOUNTING OF THE PRODUCT. The above limitations or exclusions shall be limited to the extent they violate the laws of any particular state. Cobra is not responsible for products lost in shipment between the owner and our service center.

General Warranty Information

• Each product we manufacture is covered by our factory warranty. While each product may have unique components and policies, the general guideline below will apply to most Cobra products.
• All Cobra products purchased factory-direct or from our Authorized Resellers will come with a full one to three (1-3) year warranty from the date of the original retail purchase (see policy statement above for full warranty details and exclusions).
• Standard accessories packaged with each model will have a one-year factory warranty.
• Accessory items have a one-year factory warranty.
• Shipping to our facility is not covered by our warranty. Return shipping is included within the US. This warranty is non-transferable.
• For the sake of clarity, ‘repair or replace the Product or its defective part’ does not include removal or installation work, costs, or expenses which include but are not limited to labor costs or expenses.
• Cobra will not be responsible for lost packages.
• For Products Purchased Outside the U.S.A.
• Please contact your authorized local reseller or agent for warranty information.

Trademark Acknowledgment

• ©2024 Cobra Electronics Corporation. Cobra and the snake design are proprietary trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
• Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Product Service & Support

In this user’s guide, you should find all the information you need to operate your microTALK® radio. If you require further assistance after reading this guide, Cobra offers the following customer assistance services:

For Assistance In The U.S.A.

• For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT COBRA FIRST do not return this product to the retail store.
• The contact information for Cobra will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and use the product. For the latest contact information, please go to www.cobra.com/support or call 1-800-543-1608.
• If your product should require factory service, please go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions.
• Printed in Vietnam
• PartNo.814-AT3901-VN101
• ©2024 Cobra Electronics Corporation
• www.cobra.com.

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