Introduction

Making Life Easier and Safer

Owners Manual

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 Belt Clip 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 users 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 (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).
For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website: www.cobra.com
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

TWO-WAY RADIO MODEL

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A. Contact Your Local Dealer
Printed in China Part No. 480-574-P English Version A

CXT225

2009 Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA www.cobra.com

Product Features

Backlit LCD Display

Warranty

Warranty and Trademark Acknowledgement

Features

22 Channels Seven shared with FRS/GMRS, seven FRS only, eight GMRS only. 10 Channel NOAA All Hazards Radio 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 Low Indicator Auto Squelch 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Battery Low Indicator VOX Icon Scan Icon Roger Beep Icon Lock Icon Low Power Icon DCS/CTCSS Icons Weather Icon DCS/CTCSS Privacy Code Numbers Power Saver Icon Channel Numbers Receive/Transmit Icon
Limited One-Year Warranty on Radio(s) & Charger For Products Purchased in the U.S.A. Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra microTALK radios and charger, 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, chargers, 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 Cobras 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.
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.
1. Antenna 2. External Speaker/ Microphone/Charge Jack 3. Mode/Power Button 4. Lock Button 5. Channel Up/Down Buttons 6. Backlit LCD Display 7. Speaker/Microphone A2
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Volume Up/Down Buttons Light/Max Range Button Talk Button Call Button Wrist Strap Connection Belt Clip Battery Compartment Battery Door Latch
Maximum Range Extender Belt Clip
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 17

Operation

Customer Assistance
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. Rechargeable Batteries and Charger To install or replace batteries: Remove Belt Clip 1. Remove belt clip by releasing belt clip latch and sliding clip up. 2. Pull up on the battery door latch to remove the battery compartment cover. Pull Up Lock Latch 3. Insert the supplied four AAA rechargeable batteries or non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Position batteries according to polarity markings. 4. Replace battery compartment cover and Insert Batteries belt clip. To charge batteries in radio: 1. Check to see that the batteries have been inserted properly. 2. Insert the wall charger/adapter into the charge jack located at the top of the radio. The wall charger/adapter has two round connectors which enables you to charge either one or two radios at a time. 3. Plug the wall charger/adapter into electrical outlet. It normally takes 15 hours to fully recharge batteries. It is not recommended to recharge batteries more than 24 hours. Estimated operation time on a full charge is 8 hours. Use only the supplied rechargeable batteries and wall charger/adapter for recharging your Cobra microTALK radio.

Radio Charger Jack

Using Your Radio
Speaker/Microphone/Charge Jack Speaker/Microphone To attach a speaker/microphone: /Charge Jack 1. Open the speaker/microphone/charge tab on top of your microTALK radio. 2. Insert the speaker/microphone accessory plug into the speaker/microphone/charge jack. To connect a wall charger/adapter: 1. Open the speaker/microphone/charge tab on top of your microTALK radio. 2. Insert the wall charger/adapter plug into the speaker/microphone/charge jack. 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.

Battery Low

When battery power is low, the Battery Low icon will blink. Your batteries should be replaced or recharged, if using rechargeable batteries.
Auto Battery Save If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the Battery Save Mode radio will automatically switch to Battery Save mode and the Power Saver icon will flash in the display. This will not affect the radios ability to receive incoming transmissions. Communicating with Another Person 1. Press and hold the Talk button. 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. Two Inches (5 cm) You cannot receive incoming calls while from Mouth 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 Channel Button 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.
Turning on Your microTALK Radio Press and hold the Mode/Power button until you Mode/Power 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.

Channel Number

Listening for a Response Release the Talk button to receive incoming Listening 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 Volume Button Down button. A double beep sound is used to indicate the minimum and maximum volume levels (1 through 8).

Volume Level

Light/Max Range
To temporarily turn off auto squelch: Press the Light/Max Range button for less than five seconds. To turn 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 maximum range extender off: Press and release the Light/Max Range button or change channels. 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 lock on or off request. When in Lock mode, the Lock icon will be displayed.

Lock Function

Lock Button

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.

Lock Icon

See page 13 on how to select between five call tone settings. To Illuminate Display Press and release the Light/Max Range button Light/Max Range to illuminate the display for 10 seconds.
Auto Squelch/Maximum Range Your microTALK radio will automatically shut off weak transmissions and unwanted noise due to terrain, conditions or if youve 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.
microTALK Range Your range will vary depending on terrain and conditions. In flat, open country your radio will Maximum Range 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 Reduced Range 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. Reduced Range Remember, you can achieve maximum range by using maximum range extender. See page 4 for details.
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: Set CTCSS Privacy Codes Mode/Power Set DCS Privacy Codes Set NOAA All Hazards Radio Channel 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

Set CTCSS Privacy Codes To select a CTCSS privacy code: Mode/Power 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.

Privacy Code

Channel Button
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.
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.

Mode Functions

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.

Set DCS Privacy Codes

Mode/Lock Button

DCS Privacy Code

Channel Buttons

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. NOAA* All 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: Mode/Power 1. Press the Mode button until the All Hazards Radio icon and the currently selected All Hazards Radio channel are displayed. Hazards Radio Icon 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. Choose one of the following: Channel Buttons a. Press Mode button to proceed to other functions. b. Press the Lock button to exit All Hazards Radio channel mode and return to Standby mode.
*National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
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: Mode/Power 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 VOX Icon 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. Channel Button 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.

Mode/Power

VOX Sensitivity Level
Channel Scan Your microTALK radio can automatically scan channels. To scan channels: Mode/Power 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 Scan Channels 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. While setting channel scan, if you do not press any buttons for 15 seconds your radio will automatically return to Standby mode on the channel or channel/privacy code displayed before you entered mode functions. 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. If you press the Talk button while scanning and not within 10 seconds of receiving a transmission, you will transmit on the channel on which you last received a transmission. This will return the radio to Standby mode. If you do not press any button within 10 seconds, your radio will automatically resume scanning channels.

During scanning (while not receiving a transmission), you can choose from the following: a. Press and hold the Talk button to communicate on the channel or channel/privacy code that was displayed before you entered mode functions or the channel on which, during scanning, you last received a transmission. This will return the radio to Standby mode. b. Press the Mode/Power button to proceed to set privacy code scan on the channel that was either displayed before you entered mode functions or on which, during channel scanning, you last received a transmission (see page 12 for further details). c. Press the Lock button to return to Standby mode on the channel/privacy code that was displayed before you entered mode functions or the channel on which, during scanning, you last transmitted or received. 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: Select Channel 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 Mode/Power 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 Scan Privacy Codes to begin scanning privacy codes within the channel you selected.
The Scan icon will continue to be displayed when privacy code scan is on. Your radio will continue to scan privacy codes and stop as an incoming transmission is detected. Your radio will remain on that channel/privacy code for 10 seconds. While setting privacy code scan, if you do not press any buttons for 15 seconds your radio will automatically return to Standby mode on the channel/privacy code that was displayed before you entered mode functions. 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 press the Talk button while scanning and not within 10 seconds of receiving a transmission, you will transmit on the channel/privacy code on which you last received a transmission. This will return the radio to Standby mode. If you do not press any button within 10 seconds, your radio will automatically resume scanning privacy codes. During scanning (while not receiving a transmission), you can choose from the following: a. Press and hold the Talk button to communicate on the channel/privacy code that was displayed before you entered mode functions or the channel/privacy code on which, during scanning, you last received a transmission. This will return the radio to Standby mode. b. Press the Mode/Power button to proceed to other functions. c. Press the Lock button to return to Standby mode on the channel/privacy code that was displayed before you entered mode functions or the channel/privacy code on which, during scanning, you last transmitted or received.

Five Call Tone Settings You can choose between five different Call Tone Settings to transmit a call alert. To change a call tone setting: Mode/Power 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. Call Tone Setting 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 Channel Button 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. Mode/Power 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 Roger Beep Off 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 Channel Button and return to Standby mode.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 13
General Specifications and Licensing
Customer Assistance Warranty

General Specifications

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FCC LICENSE REQUIRED
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 A B 7 C FRS/GMRS FRS/GMRS FRS/GMRS FRS/GMRS FRS/GMRS FRS/GMRS FRS/GMRS FRS FRS FRS FRS FRS FRS FRS GMRS GMRS GMRS GMRS GMRS GMRS GMRS GMRS D 462.5625 462.5875 462.6125 462.6375 462.6625 462.6875 462.7125 467.5625 467.5875 467.6125 467.6375 467.6625 467.6875 467.7125 462.5500 462.5750 462.6000 462.6250 462.6500 462.6750 462.7000 462.7250 E High High High High High High High Low Low Low Low Low Low Low High High High High High High High High

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 FCCs website at www.fcc.gov. Channel 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 microTALK 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 Commissions (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.
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.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra 15

Product Service

Product Service Questions
For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, or if parts are missingPLEASE CALL COBRA FIRSTdo 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 turn-around 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) Enclose a detailed description of the problem along with the name and address of where the product is to be returned. 4) Pack 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.