Cobra MicroTalk CXT545 Two-Way Radio Manual

Product Features

1. Antenna
2. External Speaker/ Microphone/ USB Charge Jack
3. Mode/Power Button
4. Call/Lock Button
5. Channel Up/Down Buttons
6. Backlit LCD Display
7. Speaker/Microphone
8. Volume Up/Down Buttons
9. LED Light Button
10. Talk Button
11. Memory/Escape Button
12. Max Range Hi/Lo Button
13. Scan Button
14. Wrist Strap Connection
15. Belt Clip
16. Battery Compartment
17. Battery Door Latch
18. Rubberized Grips
19. LED Flashlight

Features

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

Backlit LCD Display

1. Battery Level Indicator
2. Roger Beep Icon
3. VOX Icon
4. Weather Icon
5. Lock Icon
6. Hi/Low Power Icon
7. DCS/CTCSS Icons
8. Scan/Memory Icon
9. Weather Alert Icon
10. DCS/CTCSS Privacy Code Numbers
11. Power Saver Icon
12. Channel Numbers
13. Receive/Transmit Icon
14. Memory Channel Number
15. VibrAlert^® / Call Alert Icon
16. Key Tone Icon

Important FCC Licensing Information
This radio operates on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. See later sections for licensing and other related information.

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

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 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.
3. Insert the supplied three AA rechargeable batteries or non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Position batteries according to polarity markings.
4. Replace 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 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 USB power source.

Use only the supplied rechargeable batteries and charger for recharging your Cobra microTALK radio.

Cobra recommends your radio is turned off while being charged.

Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can also be used in your radio.

For charging microTALK radio(s) in desktop charger

1. Insert radio(s) into desktop charger as shown.
2. Insert the micro-USB cable into jack on back of charger.
3. Plug the cable into USB-compatible power port.

If charging light is not on, check position of radio. Radio should be upright. The charge indicator light will stay on as long as the radio is in the charging well, even after the batteries are fully charged.

Note: To charge a single radio, you can bypass the desktop charger and simply insert the micro-USB's connector directly into the charge jack located on the top of the radio.

The radio will display 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.

Using 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 Mode/Power 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 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 flashing battery icon while charging.

Auto Battery Save

If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the radio will automatically switch to Battery 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/privacy code 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.

Channels 1 through 7 are shared with FRS/GMRS. Channels 8 through 14 are FRS only. Channels 15 through 22 are GMRS only.

See later sections 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 other sections on how to select between five call tone settings.

LED/S.O.S. Flashlight

Press and release the LED flashlight button below the TALK button to use the LED flashlight located at the bottom of the radio.

To activate S.O.S. function, press and hold the LED flashlight button to turn on. Press and release to turn off the flashlight or S.O.S. function.

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 Max Range Hi/Lo button for less than five seconds.

To turn maximum range extender on

• Press and hold the Max Range Hi/Lo 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 Max Range Hi/Lo button or change channels. Lock Function

Lock Button

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 Call/Lock button for Lock Icon 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 FRS Channels 8 through 14, your radio HI / LO automatically switches to low power, which will limit the range the radio can communicate.

Remember, you can achieve maximum HI / LO range by using maximum range extender.

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:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

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:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. 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:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new 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:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Ten Call Tone Settings

You can choose between ten 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 10) is displayed. The current call tone will sound for three seconds.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to hear the other call tone settings.
3. Choose one of the following:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

VibrAlert^® and Call Alert

Your microTALK^® radio can alert you to incoming signals by sounding an audible call tone, by vibrating silently or both.

To change call settings

1. Press the Mode button until the Call Setting icon flashes on the display. The current setting ("01" vibrate + ring, "02" ring only) is displayed.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to change the call setting.
3. Choose one of the following:
   1. Press the Mode button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds 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:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Key Tone On/Off

When Key Tone is On, an audible tone will sound each time a button is pressed.

To turn key tone on or off

1. Current key tone status On/Off will flash.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select key tone on or off.
3. Choose one of the following:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. Do not press any buttons for 15 seconds to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.

Channel Scan

Your microTALK^® radio can automatically scan channels.

To scan channels

1. Press and release the Scan button until the Scan icon and the channel numbers appear on the display.
2. Press and hold the Scan 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

1. Press and hold the Talk button to communicate on that channel. Your radio will remain on that channel and return to Standby mode.
2. Press the Channel Up or Channel Down button to resume scanning channels.
3. Press and hold the Scan 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 and release the Scan button twice (CTCSS) or three times (DCS) until the CTCSS or DCS icon and numbers are flashing.
2. Press and hold the Scan button to begin scanning privacy codes within the selected channel.

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.

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

1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
4. 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:
   1. Press the Mode/Power button to enter the new setting and proceed to other functions.
   2. Press and hold the Mode button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   3. Press Talk or Call/Lock button to enter the new setting and return to Standby mode.
   4. 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

1. Press the Weather button until 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 until On or Off is displayed.

*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 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 button 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 JIS4 standards.

General Specifications and Licensing

General Specifications

FRS/GMRS Frequency Allocation and Compatibility

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