Uniden Barracuda MC-4700 Owner's Manual

Radio Back Panel View

The back panel of the Uniden Barracuda MC-4700 features the following connections and labels:

• PA SPEAKER Jack
• EXTERNAL SPEAKER Jack
• POWER Cord Jack
• ANT (Antenna Connector): Standard SO-239 connector.
• SERIAL NUMBER: A label containing Model No., Doc ID, Santronic Agencies Pty. Ltd. information, Made in Taiwan, and Serial No.

IMPORTANT! Record your model number and serial number in the spaces provided below:

Model: _________________________

SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________

Specifications

General

• Channels: 10 AM, 10 USB
• Frequency Range: 27.680 to 27.980 MHz
• Frequency Control: Phase Locked Loop (PLL) synthesized circuitry
• Frequency Tolerance: ±0.005%
• Frequency Stability: 0.001%
• Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +50°C
• Microphone: Plug-in type, dynamic with push-to-talk switch and coiled cord
• Input Voltage: 13.8V DC nominal, 15.9V max., 11.7V min. (positive or negative ground).
• Current Drain: Transmit: AM full mod., 2.2A; SSB 12 watts PEP output, 2A. Receiver: AM & SSB with maximum audio output, 0.6A.
• Cabinet Dimensions (mm): 185(W) x 231(D) x 58(H)
• Weight: 3.3 Lbs (1.52 kg)
• Antenna Connector: UHF, SO-239
• Meter: Illuminated; indicates relative power output and received signal strength, green receive LED.
• Indicators: LED display; channel, channel 88, TX/RX and AM/SSB.

Transmitter

• Power output: AM, 4 watts; SSB, 12 watts, P.E.P.
• Modulation: AM, high and low level
• Intermodulation Distortion: SSB: 3rd and 5th order, better than -25 dB. 7th and 9th order, better than -35 dB.
• SSB Carrier Suppression: Better than -55 dB
• Unwanted Sideband: Better than -50 dB
• Frequency Response: AM and SSB: 350 to 2500 Hz.
• Output Impedance: 52 ohms, unbalanced
• SSB Filter: 10.695 MHz, 8 pole monolithic type; 6 dB @ 4.2 kHz; 60 dB @ 7.0 kHz
• Output Indicators: Meter shows relative RF output power; red transmit LED.

Receiver

• Sensitivity: SSB: Better than .25µV for 10 dB (S+N)/N at greater than ½ watt of audio output. AM: Better than .5µV for 10 dB (S+N)/N at greater than ½ watt of audio output.
• Selectivity: SSB and AM: 6 dB @ 4.2 kHz, 60 dB @ 7.0 kHz
• Cross Modulation: More than 50 dB
• Image Rejection: More than 75 dB
• I.F. Frequency: AM and SSB: 10.695 MHz
• AM and SSB RF Gain Control: Adjustable for optimum signal reception.
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC): Less than 10 dB change in audio output for inputs from 10 to 500,000 microvolts.
• Squelch: Adjustable; threshold less than .5µV.
• Noise Blanker: RF type, effective on AM and SSB.
• Clarifier Range: ±1.0 kHz Max
• Audio Output Power: 3 watts into 8 ohms
• Frequency Response: 350 to 2500 Hz
• Distortion: Less than 10% at 3 watts output.
• Built-in Speaker: 16 ohms, round
• External Speaker (Not Supplied): 8 ohms; disables internal speaker when connected.

PA System

• Power Output: 3 watts into external speaker.
• External Speaker for PA: 8 ohms (not supplied)

Introduction

Santronic has combined superb workmanship and modern styling with the latest state-of-art circuitry to bring you the Barracuda. It is designed for maximum performance and reliability, and is factory aligned and quality assurance tested. Please read this manual carefully before installing or operating the transceiver.

Features

• ALL SOLID STATE: IC and Transistorized construction for low current drain and long life.
• LARGE LED CHANNEL DISPLAY: Channel number displayed by LED for easy selection.
• CLEAN SIGNAL: Transmitter audio processing circuitry for clean signal and maximum legal modulation.
• QUIET RECEPTION: Effective squelch, automatic noise limiter, and RF noise blanker for superior quieting.
• EFFECTIVE AGC: Receiver amplified automatic gain control reduces signal strength variations.
• EFFICIENT TRANSMITTER: 4 watts on AM and 12 watts on SSB to the antenna.
• PUBLIC ADDRESS FUNCTION: Useful for paging and announcements.
• DUAL-COLOR LED MODE INDICATOR: Green for AM mode, Red for SSB (USB) mode.
• EMERGENCY CH88 SWITCH: Enables selection of emergency channel 88, regardless of the channel selector setting.

Channel Information

Channel changes must be performed by Santronic. This radio is designed for the 11 meter Marine Band Radio Service using a frequency synthesizing circuit with Phase Locked Loop (PLL) techniques for crystal-controlled transmit and receive operation on all 10 channels. It meets Department of Communications requirements for the Inshore Boating Radio Communication Service (RB244).

Installation

Location

Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before installation. Choose a location convenient for operation that does not interfere with the driver or passenger. In automobiles, the transceiver is typically mounted to the dash panel with the microphone bracket nearby.

Mounting and Connection

The radio includes a universal mounting bracket secured by thumb screws. Mount the bracket using the supplied machine screws onto a mechanically strong surface.

1. Determine the most convenient location. Hold the radio with the mounting bracket in place. If no obstructions exist, remove the bracket bolts. Drill holes carefully, ensuring no interference with mounting bolts.
2. Connect the antenna cable plug (typically PL-259) to the standard receptacle on the rear panel.
3. Connect the DC power input wire (red) to +12V DC. This wire connects to a plug on the rear panel. This setup prevents accidental power drain when the vessel is unattended and allows operation without the engine running.
4. Connect the black wire to ground. Consult a marine electrician if unsure. Ensure good electrical contact. (Remove paint if necessary).
5. Mount the microphone hanger using the supplied screws, either on the side of the unit or nearby. For boat installations, place the hanger on the dash for easy microphone access.

General Information

Ground Connection

This radio can be used with 12V DC negative or positive ground systems.

1. Negative ground system: Connect the Red power lead to the positive (+) battery terminal or a convenient point. Connect the Black power lead to the chassis or vehicle frame or the negative (-) battery terminal.
2. Positive ground system: Connect the Black power lead to the negative (-) battery terminal or a convenient point. Connect the Red power lead to the chassis or vehicle frame or the positive (+) battery terminal.

Antenna

The radio is designed for a 52 ohm RADIO antenna. A vertically polarized quarter-wavelength whip antenna offers the most reliable operation and range. Shorter loaded-type whip antennas are more compact and suitable when maximum distance is not critical. Whip antennas utilize the vehicle's metal body as a ground plane. Mounting on a vehicle corner may result in slight directionality. The transceiver has a standard Type SO-239 antenna connector for easy connection to a PL-259 cable. For boat installations, use an antenna specifically designed for marine applications. Consult your dealer regarding grounding systems and prevention of electrolysis.

AC Operation

To operate from AC power, use a separate power supply capable of 2.5 amps at 13.8V DC output (240V AC, 50/60 Hz input). Connect the transceiver's red (+) and black (-) leads to the power supply's DC terminals. Do not connect directly to 240V AC.

Remote Speaker

The external speaker jack (EXT. SPKR) is for remote receiver monitoring. Use an 8-ohm external speaker. Plugging in the external speaker disconnects the internal speaker.

Public Address

For PA use, connect an external 8-ohm, 4-watt speaker to the (PA SPKR) jack. Direct the speaker away from the microphone to prevent acoustic feedback. Ensure physical separation between the microphone and speaker at high output levels.

Operating Instructions

The Barracuda operates on 10 AM and 10 Upper Side Band channels. For SSB signals, adjust the Clarifier to fine-tune the receiver frequency for optimal audio tone.

Operating Controls

The Barracuda features the following controls:

1. OFF/ON VOLUME: Rotate clockwise past the click to turn on. Rotate counterclockwise past the click to turn off. Adjust volume by rotating clockwise.
2. CHANNEL SELECTOR: Selects one of the 10 Marine Band channels. Channel 88 is reserved for emergency communications.
3. MODE SELECTOR: Selects AM or SSB (USB) mode for both transmitter and receiver. A dual-color LED indicates the mode: Green for AM, Red for SSB (USB).
4. SQUELCH: Adjust to eliminate background noise. Rotate clockwise until noise disappears. Do not advance too far, or weak signals may be missed.
5. CLARIFIER: Normally centered. Optimizes receiver operation, especially for SSB signals, by slightly adjusting the receive frequency.
6. MIKE GAIN: Adjusts microphone input sensitivity for optimal modulation. UNIDEN's transceivers feature automatic compression and peak limiting for maximum modulation with minimal distortion.
7. DUAL WATCH BUTTON: Monitors channel 88 automatically. When another channel is selected, the receiver alternates between the main channel and channel 88. Channel 88 has priority. Push the button again to disable Dual Watch. Transmitter is unavailable when in DUAL position.
8. CH88 SWITCH: Activates emergency channel 88 regardless of the channel selector position. The channel display blanks, and the CH88 indicator activates.
9. PA-TX/RX SWITCH: Engages the PA function (requires external speaker). In TX/RX position, PA is disabled, and the radio transmits/receives on the selected channel.
10. NB/ANL SWITCH: Activates the Noise Blanker (NB) and Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) circuits, reducing repetitive impulse noise (like ignition noise) and hash-type noises.
11. RF GAIN: Optimizes reception in strong signal areas by reducing gain (counterclockwise rotation).

Indicator Function

1. S/RF METER: Displays relative transmitter RF output power (transmitting) and input signal strength (receiving). Illuminated when power is on.
2. TX/RX INDICATOR: Red light indicates transmitter is active (microphone button pressed). Green light indicates receiver is active (microphone button released).

Push-to-Talk Microphone

The push-to-talk switch on the microphone controls the transmitter and receiver. Press to transmit, release to receive. Hold the microphone about three inches from your mouth and speak at a normal voice level.

Receive Operating Procedure

1. Set the PA-TX/RX switch to TX/RX.
2. Turn the transceiver on by rotating the VOLUME CONTROL clockwise past the click. (Microphone must be plugged in).
3. Set the VOLUME CONTROL to a comfortable level.
4. Set the Mode Selector Switch to the desired mode.
5. Adjust the SQUELCH CONTROL clockwise until background noise just disappears. The receiver will be quiet until a signal is received.
6. Set the Channel Selector to the desired channel.
7. Adjust the CLARIFIER to clearly receive SSB or AM signals.

Transmit Operating Procedure

1. Select the desired channel.
2. If the channel is clear, press the push-to-talk switch on the microphone and speak normally.

Warning

Operation of this equipment requires a valid station license issued by the Department of Communications. Do not transmit without a license.

Maintenance and Adjustment

This transceiver is designed for mobile installations with solid-state circuitry for high reliability. If failure occurs, replace parts only with identical parts. Do not substitute. When ordering parts, specify the correct model number and serial number.

Warranty

12 MONTHS FULL WARRANTY

WARRANTOR: SANTRONIC AGENCIES PTY. LTD. 13 Garema Circuit, Kingsgrove NSW 2208 ("SANTRONIC").

ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: SANTRONIC warrants its UNIDEN Marine Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship, subject to the limitations and exclusions below.

WARRANTY DURATION: This Warranty terminates one year after the original purchase date, or if the Product is damaged, not maintained, modified, improperly installed, repaired by an unauthorized party, or used for a purpose for which it was not intended.

PARTS COVERED: This Warranty covers all components of the Products.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: If the Product does not conform to this Warranty, Warrantor will repair the defect and return it prepaid, without charge for parts, service, or other costs. If a defect or malfunction is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the Product or defective component will be replaced at Warrantor's discretion, free of charge, upon delivery to the Warrantor. This Warranty does not cover or provide for the reimbursement of incidental or consequential damages.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: Ship the Product prepaid to Warrantor at 13 Garema Circuit, Kingsgrove NSW 2208. The ORIGINAL or a COPY OF THE SALES RECEIPT or other valid evidence of the original purchase date must accompany the Product.

LEGAL REMEDIES: This Warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state.

Santronic Agencies Pty. Ltd.

• 13 GAREMA CIRCUIT, KINGSGROVE NSW 2208
• PHONE: 758 1522, TELEX: AA73170, FAX: 750 2722
• P.O. Box 12, Kingsgrove, NSW 2208
• BRISBANE: 3/12 BANDALL ST, SLACKS CREEK, QLD 4127, PHONE: 07 290 1188
• MELBOURNE: 446-448 BELL STREET, EAST PRESTON VIC 3072, PHONE: (03) 484 0373
• PERTH: 23 GEDDES ST., BALACATTA W.A. 6021, PHONE: (09) 344 3937

©Copyright 1986 Uniden Corporation. Printed in Taiwan.