1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the PNI TTi TCB-900 EVO CB Radio Station and PNI ML29 CB Antenna kit. Please read this manual carefully before installation and operation to ensure proper use and to maximize the performance and longevity of your product. This kit is designed for reliable CB communication in vehicles.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are present in your package:
- PNI TTi TCB-900 EVO CB Radio Station
- Microphone (6-pin)
- Radio station mounting bracket and screws
- Microphone support and screws
- Power cord (12V/24V)
- Cigarette lighter plug
- User manual (this document)
- 1DIN mounting case
- PNI ML29 CB Antenna (spike)
- RG58 coaxial cable (4 meters)
- PL259 connector (pre-attached to cable)
- Magnetic base (70 mm diameter)
Image 1: Complete PNI TTi TCB-900 EVO CB Radio Station and PNI ML29 CB Antenna Kit components.
3. Product Overview
3.1 PNI TTi TCB-900 EVO CB Radio Station
The TCB-900 EVO is a robust CB radio station designed for clear and reliable communication. It features a front-facing speaker for enhanced audio clarity and a multicolor screen for easy readability.
Image 2: Front panel of the TCB-900 EVO radio station with connected microphone.
Image 3: Detailed view of the TCB-900 EVO radio station's front panel, showing channel, squelch, and volume knobs, along with function buttons and screen.
Key Controls and Features:
- CHANNEL Knob: Selects the operating channel.
- SQUELCH Knob: Adjusts the squelch level to suppress background noise.
- VOLUME Knob: Controls power ON/OFF and audio volume.
- DSS (Dynamic Squelch System): Automatic squelch for improved reception.
- LOCK Button: Locks the keypad to prevent accidental changes.
- 9/19 Button: Quick access to emergency channels 9 and 19.
- MIC Button: Adjusts microphone gain.
- SCAN Button: Initiates channel scanning.
- VOX Button: Activates voice-operated transmission for hands-free use.
- AM/FM Button: Toggles between Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM) modes.
- DW (Dual Watch): Monitors two selected channels.
- LCR (Last Channel Recall): Recalls the last used channel.
- MENU Button: Accesses additional settings.
Image 4: Rear panel of the TCB-900 EVO radio station, showing antenna connector, power input, and auxiliary ports.
3.2 PNI ML29 CB Antenna with Magnetic Base
The PNI ML29 is a compact CB antenna designed for easy mounting and removal, featuring a magnetic base for vehicle attachment and a 4-meter RG58 coaxial cable with a PL259 connector.
Image 5: The PNI ML29 CB antenna, including the spike, coil, magnetic base, and attached coaxial cable with PL259 connector.
Image 6: Side view of the PNI ML29 antenna, highlighting the magnetic base and cable.
4. Setup and Installation
4.1 Radio Station Installation
- Mounting: Use the provided mounting bracket and screws to secure the TCB-900 EVO radio station in a suitable location within your vehicle. Common locations include the dashboard, under the dashboard, or in a 1DIN slot. Ensure the location allows for proper ventilation and easy access to controls.
- Power Connection:
- Connect the power cord to the radio's power input on the rear panel.
- Insert the cigarette lighter plug into your vehicle's 12V or 24V cigarette lighter socket. The radio supports both voltage inputs.
- Ensure the connection is secure.
- Microphone Connection: Plug the 6-pin microphone connector into the designated port on the front panel of the radio. Secure the microphone using its support and screws in an accessible location.
- Antenna Connection: Connect the PL259 connector from the PNI ML29 antenna cable to the "ANTENNA" port on the rear panel of the radio station. Tighten the connector securely by hand.
4.2 Antenna Installation
- Placement: Position the PNI ML29 magnetic base antenna on a flat, clean, metallic surface of your vehicle, such as the center of the roof. This provides the best ground plane for optimal performance. Avoid placing it near other antennas or metal obstructions.
- Cable Routing: Carefully route the 4-meter RG58 coaxial cable from the antenna to the radio, ensuring it does not interfere with doors, windows, or moving parts. Avoid kinking or pinching the cable, as this can damage it and affect performance.
Image 7: Demonstrating the placement of the PNI ML29 magnetic antenna on a vehicle roof.
Image 8: The PNI ML29 antenna securely mounted on a car roof, ready for operation.
5. Operating Instructions
- Power On/Off and Volume: Rotate the VOLUME knob clockwise to turn the radio ON. Continue rotating to adjust the listening volume. Rotate counter-clockwise until it clicks to turn the radio OFF.
- Channel Selection: Rotate the CHANNEL knob to select your desired operating channel (1-40).
- Squelch Adjustment: Rotate the SQUELCH knob clockwise until background noise disappears. Rotate it counter-clockwise to hear weaker signals. The DSS (Dynamic Squelch System) provides automatic squelch control for optimal noise reduction.
- AM/FM Mode Selection: Press the AM/FM button to switch between Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Frequency Modulation (FM) modes.
- Transmitting (PTT): To transmit, press and hold the Push-To-Talk (PTT) button on the microphone. Speak clearly into the microphone. Release the PTT button to receive.
- Dual Watch (DW): Press the DW button to activate Dual Watch mode, allowing you to monitor two channels simultaneously. Refer to the radio's internal menu for setting the second monitored channel.
- Channel Scan: Press the SCAN button to initiate scanning of active channels. The radio will stop on an active channel and resume scanning after a short delay or when the signal disappears.
- Microphone Gain (MIC): Press the MIC button to adjust the microphone sensitivity. This helps optimize your transmission audio level.
- VOX Function: Press the VOX button to enable voice-operated transmission. This allows hands-free communication. Adjust VOX sensitivity through the menu to suit your environment and voice level.
- Emergency Channels (9/19): Press the 9/19 button for quick access to emergency channels 9 (for highway assistance) and 19 (for general calling).
- Keyboard Lock (LOCK): Press the LOCK button to disable the front panel buttons, preventing accidental changes to settings. Press again to unlock.
- Last Channel Recall (LCR): Press the LCR button to quickly return to the last channel you were operating on.
- Menu Settings: Press the MENU button to access advanced settings and configurations for the radio. Use the channel knob to navigate and other buttons to select/confirm.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the radio station and antenna. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Environmental Protection: Keep the radio station and antenna dry. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight for prolonged periods, and excessive dust.
- Cable Inspection: Periodically inspect all cables (power, microphone, antenna) for signs of wear, damage, or loose connections. Replace damaged cables immediately.
- Antenna Base: Ensure the magnetic base of the antenna is clean and free of debris to maintain good contact with the vehicle's surface.
- SWR Check: For optimal performance and to prevent damage to the radio, it is recommended to periodically check the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) of your antenna system, especially after initial installation or if performance degrades. An SWR meter is required for this procedure.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Radio does not power on. | No power supply; loose power connection; faulty cigarette lighter plug/socket. | Check power cord connection to radio and cigarette lighter socket. Ensure vehicle's power socket is functional. |
| No reception or weak signals. | Squelch set too high; antenna not connected or faulty; incorrect channel selected; poor antenna placement. | Lower the SQUELCH level. Check antenna cable connection. Verify correct channel. Ensure antenna is properly mounted on a metallic surface. |
| Cannot transmit or weak transmission. | Microphone not connected; PTT button faulty; high SWR; antenna issue. | Check microphone connection. Ensure PTT button is pressed correctly. Check antenna connection and SWR. |
| Distorted audio. | Volume too high; Squelch too low; microphone gain incorrect. | Adjust VOLUME and SQUELCH levels. Adjust MIC gain through the menu. |
| Interference/Noise. | Electrical interference from vehicle; external noise sources; antenna placement. | Check for proper grounding. Try repositioning the antenna. Ensure all vehicle accessories are properly shielded. Adjust Squelch. |
8. Specifications
8.1 PNI TTi TCB-900 EVO CB Radio Station
- Broadcast Band Type: AM / FM
- Channels: 40
- Frequency: 26.965 - 27.405 MHz
- Microphone Type: 6 pins
- Speaker Audio Power: 2 W
- Sensitivity (20dB SINAD): 0.7µV for 10dB (S+N)/N in AM mode / 0.7µV for 20dB SINAD in FM mode
- Audio Signal Distortion: Less than 8% @ 1KHz
- Emission Power: 4 W
- Power Supply: 12 V / 24 V DC
- Max. Absorbed Current: 1.6A
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 170 x 90 x 50 mm
- Weight: 764 gr
- Operating Temperature: -26°C ~ +80°C
- Special Features: Dual Watch, Channel Scan, Microphone Gain, ASQ, Keyboard Lock, LCR, Emergency Channels, Multicolor Screen, VOX, Manual Squelch, Key Sound, PTT, Screen Lighting, Key Lighting
- Rear Panel Connections: Additional speaker connection, Bluetooth dongle connection
8.2 PNI ML29 CB Antenna
- CB Work Band: Yes
- Working Frequency: 26 - 28 Mhz
- Maximum Applied Power: 500W
- S.W.R. Minimum in Center of Band: Less than 2:1
- Spike Length: 230 mm
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Material: Copper, Stainless steel
- Connector Type: Male UHF (PL259)
- Cable Length: 4m (RG58)
- Weight: 250 gr
- Dimensions (Magnetic Base Included): 340 x 70 x 70 mm
- Gain: >3 dBi
- Polarization: Vertical
- Working Distance: 7 km
- Magnetic Base Diameter: 70 mm
- Operating Temperature: -26°C ~ +80°C
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your authorized retailer or the manufacturer directly. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. Do not attempt to repair the device yourself, as this may void the warranty.
