General Electric 3-5875 Superbase CB Transceiver Use and Care Guide

Product Overview

This document provides comprehensive instructions for the General Electric 3-5875 Superbase Citizens Band Base Station Transceiver. It covers operation, installation, features, specifications, and troubleshooting for both AM and Single Sideband (SSB) modes. The transceiver is designed for use with 120-volt AC power at home or 12-volt DC power in vehicles.

CB Features

• Programmable Electronic Digital Clock
• Manual Power On/Off
• Function Lights
• Modulation/SWR Meter
• RF/S Meter
• SWR Calibration Control
• Antenna Warning Light (AWI)
• LED Channel Readout
• Brightness Control
• On-the-Air Light
• Dual Speed Clarifier Controls
• RF Gain Control
• Squelch/Tone/Volume Controls
• Switchable ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter)
• Noise Blanker Switch
• Microphone Power Control
• Speech Compression Switch
• 3-Way PA/CB Switch
• Dual Antenna Jacks (for omni and beam antennas, or dummy load)
• Various Jacks: PA Speaker, External Speaker, Microphone, AC/DC Power Cords

Specifications

General:

• Channels: 40 AM, 80 SSB (40 USB, 40 LSB)
• Synthesizer: PLL digital logic channel circuitry
• Power Requirement: 34.5 watts consumption, 2.5 amps current drain (Max at 12 watts PEP) at 13.8-volt DC
• Power Supply: 12 volts DC nominal (positive or negative ground), or 120 volts AC 60 Hz
• Semiconductors: Integrated circuits, transistors, FETs, diodes, 2 crystal filters
• Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +50°C
• PA/Audio Power Output: 3.5 watts at 10% THD
• Internal Burnout Protection: Min. 5 minutes transmitting with open, shorted, or loose antenna
• Microphone: Dynamic with push-to-talk switch, 500-ohm
• Built-in Speaker: 8 ohms impedance, 60 x 90 mm
• Connectors: External speaker jack, two SO-239 antenna receptacles, PA speaker jack, 12-volt DC power jack, MIC jack, AC power jack.

Receiver:

• Max Sensitivity: .3uV AM, .2uV SSB
• Clarifier Range: ±1000-2200 Hz
• Frequency Coverage: 26.965 to 27.405 MHz (40 AM, 80 SSB)
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity: Min 60 db
• Image Rejection: Better than 55 db
• IF Frequencies: SSB: 10.695 MHz, AM: 1st: 10.695 MHz, 2nd: 0.455 MHz
• RF Gain Control: 25 db nominal
• AGC: Min. 70 db

Transmitter:

• Frequency Response: 400 Hz to 2.5 kHz
• Frequency Coverage: 26.965 to 27.405 MHz (40 AM, 80 SSB)
• Transmit Power Output: 4 watts maximum (FCC regulated), PEP 12 watts max SSB
• Modulation: Factory pre-set limit, 85-100%
• Transmitted Harmonic & Spurious Suppression: Min. 62 db
• Frequency Accuracy: ±.001%
• Carrier Suppression: Better than 40 db
• Unwanted Sideband Suppression: Better than 50 db

All measurements taken at 25°C nominal and 13.8 volts DC.

Operating Controls

The transceiver features numerous controls on its front panel. Key controls include:

• LED Digital Clock Readout: Displays time and timer settings. Operates on 120V AC power.
• AM/PM Indicator: Shows time cycle. Blinks if AC power is interrupted.
• Manual Power (CB) On/Off: Button to turn the unit on/off.
• Automatic Timer (Timer) On/Off: Allows setting a time for automatic power-on.
• Clock Display / Timer Set: Buttons to view or set the clock and timer.
• Time Set (Fast/Slow): Buttons to adjust the clock time.
• RF/S Meter: Indicates incoming signal strength (S units) and transmit power output.
• Function Indicator Lights: Show operating modes (USB, AM, LSB).
• Antenna Warning Indicator (AWI): Illuminates if antenna or cable is not properly connected, mismatched (high SWR), or damaged.
• LED Channel Readout: Displays the selected channel (1-40).
• On-the-Air Transmit Light: Illuminates when transmitting.
• Modulation and SWR Meter: Indicates modulation level (AM) or SWR.
• Speech Compression: Adjusts dynamic range for higher average modulation.
• Clarifier Controls (Rapid/Fine Tune): Used in SSB modes to fine-tune incoming signals for clarity. Also used for delta tuning in AM.
• Microphone Jack: For connecting the microphone.
• Antenna System A-B Select Switch: Switches between two connected antennas or a dummy load.
• SWR Calibration and Clock/Channel Brightness Control: Used for calibrating the SWR meter and adjusting display brightness.
• Meter Switch: Selects meter function (Modulation, Calibration, SWR).
• RF Gain: Adjusts receiver sensitivity to prevent overload from strong signals.
• Channel Selector: Rotary knob to select any of the 40 channels. Channel 9 is reserved for emergency use.
• Microphone Power Gain: Pre-amplifier for microphone gain and PA loudness.
• Squelch and Tone Control: Squelch silences background noise; Tone adjusts audio quality.
• Noise Blanker: Reduces interference from ignition or pulse-type sources.
• Volume: Adjusts audio loudness.
• Function Switch: Selects operating mode (LSB, AM, USB).
• CB/PA Switch: Selects between CB operation, Public Address (PA) operation, or PA/CB monitoring.

Operating Instructions

To Receive:

1. Connect microphone and press Manual Power On/Off.
2. Rotate Volume to adjust loudness.
3. Set CB/PA switch to CB position.
4. Set Antenna switch to the connected antenna (A or B).
5. Select desired channel using the Channel Selector.
6. Select operating Function (AM, LSB, or USB). SSB requires both parties to be on the same sideband.
7. Turn Squelch counterclockwise until hissing just stops to activate the receiver. Adjust for desired clarity.
8. Use Clarifier controls for fine-tuning SSB signals.
9. Adjust Tone and RF Gain as needed.
10. Use Noise Blanker and ANL for interference reduction.

To Transmit:

1. Wait for a clear channel.
2. Hold microphone 2-3 inches from mouth.
3. Press the push-to-talk switch and speak in a normal voice. Avoid shouting or holding the mic too close to prevent over-modulation.
4. Monitor modulation on the Modulation/SWR Meter by setting the Meter Switch to MOD and pressing the push-to-talk button.
5. Use Speech Compression and Mic Power to adjust modulation.
6. Release the push-to-talk button to receive.
7. To turn off, depress the Manual Power On/Off button.

Antenna Warning Indicator (AWI): The AWI light indicates potential antenna issues (high SWR, poor connection, damage). It typically activates in AM mode when SWR is between 3:1 and 7:1 or worse. Magnetic antennas may trigger AWI at lower SWRs.

Digital Clock Readout: The clock operates on a 24-hour cycle. Use the Clock Set, Timer Set, Fast, and Slow buttons to set the time and timer functions.

Automatic Power (Timer) Operation: The unit can be set to turn on automatically at a preset time. It will operate for approximately one hour before turning off, and repeat daily.

Antenna Systems

For optimal performance, use an antenna designed for the 27 MHz frequency. Various types are available, including:

• CB-AM-FM Combination with CB splitter: Uses a single antenna for multiple radio types.
• Magnetic Mount: Easy installation, may offer performance compromise.
• Gutter Mount: Easy installation, directional.
• Rooftop: Permanent installation, high location.
• Twin Antennas (Mirror or Cab Mount): Specialized application, appearance appeal.
• No Ground Plane: For use on boats.

General Rules for Mobile Antenna Performance:

1. Mount antenna as high as possible on the vehicle.
2. Higher percentage of antenna length above the rooftop improves performance.
3. Center antenna in the mounting location (e.g., trunk, gutter, roof).
4. Route antenna cable away from noise sources (ignition system, gauges).
5. Ensure a good metal-to-metal ground at the mounting point.

Antenna Performance: SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) meters are used to tune antennas. An SWR below 3:1 is desirable for efficient transmission. The document includes a chart detailing output power percentages relative to SWR readings.

Base Station Antennas: For base station use, Ground Plane, Beam, or Vertical antennas are suitable. The range depends on antenna height and location. You can connect two antennas or one antenna and a dummy load.

Ground Plane: Common for base stations; effective, omni-directional, easy to mount.

Coaxial/Colinear: High-efficiency radiator with improved omni-directional characteristics.

Beam: Highly directional, requires a rotor for non-fixed stations; reduces noise and interference, offers increased forward gain.

Important: Ground antenna masts and use lightning arrestors. Use coaxial cable rated for 27 MHz (RG-58/u up to 50 feet, RG-8u for longer runs) for proper impedance matching.

Power Supply

The transceiver can be powered by:

• 120-Volt AC Operation (Base): Connect the provided AC power cord to a standard household outlet.
• 12-Volt DC Operation (Mobile): Connect the DC power cord to a 12-volt DC source (e.g., vehicle battery). The unit supports both negative and positive ground systems.

Power Outage: If AC power is interrupted, the digital clock will blink, requiring a reset.

DC Power Solderless Connector: Instructions are provided for using the included adapter to connect the red wire to the vehicle's power source.

Mobile Installation Instructions

The transceiver can be installed in vehicles using the provided bracket and hardware. Key steps include:

1. Mount the CB unit conveniently, ensuring controls are accessible and cables do not interfere with driving.
2. Use the mounting brackets as a template for drilling holes and secure with self-tapping screws.
3. Install the microphone holder.
4. Secure the CB unit to the brackets using thumb screws.
5. Avoid mounting in heater or air-conditioning airflow paths.
6. Connect the antenna plug to the antenna jack.
7. Connect the DC power plug to the 13.8-volt DC jack. Note that the digital clock is disconnected during mobile 12-volt DC operation.

General CB Information

CB's Many Uses: CB radio is used for personal and business communications, including family contact, travel assistance, security patrols, business operations, and by professionals like truckers and farmers.

Single Sideband (SSB): SSB transmits on Upper Sideband (USB) or Lower Sideband (LSB), effectively doubling the number of available transmission paths compared to AM. SSB requires a "clarifier" control for precise tuning.

Emergency Channel 9: Channel 9 is designated for public safety communications.

Range: Effective range depends on antenna type, height, terrain, weather, and channel congestion. Typical ranges are provided for mobile-to-mobile, base-to-mobile, and base-to-base communications.

Receiving Only One Side of Conversation: This can occur due to differing signal strengths or ranges of the stations involved.

Fading: Signal strength fluctuations during communication, often due to distance or atmospheric conditions.

Noise: Background noise is normal, especially in mobile environments, caused by vehicle electrical systems (alternator, spark plugs). Noise suppression kits may be needed. The document explains how to differentiate between ignition and generator noise.

FCC License Requirement

Transmitting requires an FCC Class D Citizens Radio Service License or a temporary permit (FCC Form 555-B). General requirements include being 18 or over and a U.S. citizen. Anyone 12 or over in the household can operate the CB under the license holder's supervision, provided FCC rules are followed.

Public Address (PA) Feature

The transceiver can be used as a PA amplifier with an optional 8-ohm PA speaker. Connect the speaker to the PA jack on the back panel and set the CB/PA switch to PA. The internal speaker is disconnected when the PA feature is active.

External Speaker Jack

An optional 8-ohm speaker can be connected to the EXT. SP. jack. This also disconnects the internal speaker.

"Q" Signals and "10 Code"

The document lists common "Q" signals used in SSB communications and the standard "10 Code" used in CB communications, noting that Channel 9 usage for emergencies is not recommended with 10 codes.

Q Signals: (Examples: QRG - What is my exact frequency?, QTH - What is your location?, QTR - What is the correct time?)

APCO 10 Code: (Examples: 10-4 - Affirmative (OK), 10-7 - Out of service, 10-20 - Location)

Service and Warranty

Service: Servicing should only be performed by qualified individuals holding a First or Second Class FCC Radiotelephone Operators License. The document provides a service checklist for common issues.

General Electric Company Full Ninety-Day Warranty: General Electric warrants the product against manufacturing defects for 90 days from the original purchase date. This warranty does not cover damage from accident or misuse. Details on how to obtain warranty service are provided.

Schematics

The document includes detailed internal schematics of the transceiver, illustrating component layouts and circuit connections for servicing purposes.