Cobra PX880 microTALK Owner's Manual

Introduction

Staying in touch is convenient and easy when using your microTALK® radio. Some of the many uses include communicating with others while hiking, biking, and working; keeping track of family and friends at public events; checking with travel companions; connecting with neighbors; and arranging meeting spots.

Holster: Secure your microTALK® radio while on the go. The included holster easily attaches to your belt, purse, or backpack.

Customer Assistance

For questions about operating this Cobra product, please contact Cobra first. Contact information varies by country.

For warranty service or information in the U.S.A., call (866) 721-3805 or email support@altistec.com. You will receive instructions for shipping products at your expense to an Altis Global Limited Authorized Service Center. Include a copy of your receipt, a description of the problem, and your contact information.

For information outside the U.S., contact your local dealer.

For more information and FAQs, visit www.cobrawalkietalkie.com.

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety:

• Use only manufacturer-specified accessories. The 5V micro-USB charging input is compatible with most high-quality micro-USB chargers conforming to USB standards.
• Do not use cleaners or solvents on the radio exterior; use a damp or dry cloth.
• Do not expose the product to splashing or dripping water.
• Do not attempt to service the radio yourself; removing the cover voids the warranty. Unauthorized modifications may void FCC authority.
• Do not plug the wall adapter into a wet power outlet.
• Do not use a portable radio with a damaged antenna. Contact with a damaged antenna may cause a minor burn.

Battery Safety:

• Do not incinerate the battery, even if severely damaged.
• Do not discard the battery in fire; it can explode.
• Do not replace the battery in areas labeled “Hazardous Atmosphere” due to explosion risk from sparks.
• Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, shred, or alter the battery.
• Do not dry a wet or damp battery with heat sources like a hair dryer or microwave.
• Minor leakage may occur under extreme conditions; this does not indicate failure. Do not open or mutilate the battery, as corrosive materials can cause damage. If leakage occurs on skin, wash with soap and water, neutralize with mild acid (lemon juice/vinegar), or flush eyes with clean water for 10 minutes and seek medical attention.

This product uses a Lithium Polymer Battery. Do not transport if damaged, as it poses a fire hazard.

Recycle Battery: Local laws may prohibit battery disposal in ordinary trash. Consult your local waste authority for recycling options.

Operational Cautions:

• Exposure to high volume sound levels can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage. Use the radio at a low volume and avoid prolonged exposure.
• Do not use volume to block noisy surroundings; use the radio in a quiet environment.
• Limit headset/earpiece use at high volume.
• Do not place the radio's speaker directly against your ear when not using a headset.
• Switch off the radio in designated areas like gas stations, hospitals, blasting areas, or aircraft, as indicated by signs and instructions.
• If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
• If the product or charger overheats, has a damaged cord/plug, or has been dropped/damaged, disconnect the charger and discontinue use.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI):

• Turn off the radio in facilities with posted notices (e.g., hospitals, healthcare facilities) that may use equipment sensitive to RF energy.
• Turn off radios on aircraft as instructed by crew.
• Some radios may interfere with hearing aids. Consult your hearing aid manufacturer or physician if interference occurs.
• Consult your personal medical device manufacturer regarding RF shielding if using other medical devices.

Product Features

The Cobra PX880 features:

• 22 Channels
• 121 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS codes / 83 DCS codes)
• Hands-Free Operation (VOX)
• Backlit LCD Display
• Call Alert
• Button Lock
• Speaker/Microphone/Charge Jack
• Roger Beep
• Battery/Power Saver
• Keystroke Tones
• Battery Level Indicator
• Low Battery Audible Alert
• Auto Squelch
• Holster

Backlit LCD Display Icons:

• 1. Lock Icon
• 2. Transmit Icon (TX)
• 3. Receive Icon (RX)
• 4. Battery Level Indicator
• 5. VOX Icon
• 6. DCS Icon
• 7. CTCSS Icon
• 8. DCS/CTCSS Privacy Code Numbers
• 9. Power Saver Icon
• 10. VibrAlert Icon
• 11. Channel Numbers

Caring for Your microTALK® Radio

To ensure years of trouble-free service, handle the radio gently. Keep it away from dust, water, damp places, and extreme temperatures.

Installing Batteries

1. Remove the holster by releasing the belt clip latch and sliding it downward.
2. Unscrew the two screws at the bottom with a screwdriver to open the battery compartment cover.
3. Connect the battery connector to the socket inside the radio.
4. Place the battery inside the compartment, aligning the wire. Ensure the wire does not block the screw holes.
5. Replace the battery compartment cover and screw it down gently (do not overtighten).
6. Re-attach the holster.

Charging Batteries

To charge batteries in the radio:

1. Ensure batteries are inserted properly.
2. Insert the USB cable into the charge jack on the left side of the radio.
3. Plug the cable into a USB-compatible power port.

Only use the supplied rechargeable batteries and charger. Cobra recommends turning the radio off while charging.

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

The radio will display a flashing battery icon ? while charging if it is turned on.

Operation

Using Your Radio

Quick Start:

1. Turn the On/Off VOL knob clockwise to turn the radio on, counterclockwise to turn it off.
2. Select a desired channel. Both radios must be tuned to the same channel and privacy code to communicate.
3. Press and hold the Talk button ? while speaking into the microphone.
4. Release the Talk button to listen for a response.

The radio is equipped with default Privacy Codes for minimizing unwanted signals. Refer to pages 7-8 for changing or disabling privacy codes.

Turning on Your microTALK® Radio

Turn the On/Off VOL knob clockwise to turn the radio on. In the ON position, the radio chirps and briefly shows all feature icons. The display then shows the current channel, code, and enabled features.

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. Recharge the batteries.

Auto Battery Save

If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the radio automatically switches to Battery Save mode, and the Power Saver icon ⚡ will flash. This does not affect incoming transmissions.

Communicating with Another Person

1. Press and hold the Talk button ?.
2. Position the microphone about two inches (5 cm) from your mouth and speak normally.
3. Release the Talk button when finished talking and listen for a response. You cannot receive calls while pressing the Talk button.

Both radios must be tuned to the same channel and privacy code to communicate.

To Select a Channel

Press the Mode button ⚙️ once, then press the Up or Down button ▲▼ to select a channel. Both radios must be tuned to the same channel to communicate. See page 11 for frequency charts.

Listening for a Response

Release the Talk button ? to receive incoming transmissions. The radio is always in Standby mode when the Talk or Call buttons are not pressed.

To Adjust Volume

1. Rotate the On/Off VOL knob clockwise to increase volume.
2. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease volume.

Do not hold the radio close to your ear; uncomfortable volume levels can cause harm.

Call Button

Press and release the Call button ?. The other person will hear a three-second call tone, used to establish voice communications.

Auto Squelch

The microTALK® radio automatically filters out weak transmissions and unwanted noise based on terrain and conditions.

Lock Function

The Lock function ? locks the Up, Down, and Mode buttons to prevent accidental operation. To turn the lock on or off, press and hold the Lock button for two seconds. A double beep confirms lock activation, and the Lock icon will be displayed.

microTALK® Range

Range varies with terrain and conditions. Flat, open country offers maximum range. Buildings, foliage, and hilly terrain can reduce range. On channels 8 through 14, the radio uses low power, limiting communication range.

Mode Functions

Scroll through the Mode button ⚙️ to select features:

• Channel: 22 channels with default privacy code.
• VOX on/off: On or off shown on LCD.
• VOX sensitivity: 5 levels.
• VibrAlert® selection: 0 (Off), 1 (Enable).
• CTCSS code setting: 38 codes.
• DCS code setting: 83 codes.

Privacy Codes

The microTALK® radio uses CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) with 38 privacy codes and DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) with 83 privacy codes, totaling 121 codes. Either system can be used on all channels, but not both simultaneously. The 22 channels have customized default codes.

Set CTCSS Privacy Codes

To select a CTCSS privacy code:

1. After selecting a channel, press the Mode button ⚙️ until the CTCSS icon appears and the small numbers flash. If DCS is active, the display shows CTCSS icon and “OFF.” Press Up ▲ or Down ▼ to switch to CTCSS.
2. Press the Up ▲ or Down ▼ button to select a privacy code. Hold for fast advance.
3. When the desired code is displayed, press Mode ⚙️ to save and proceed, or press Talk ? to return to Standby mode.

Set DCS Privacy Codes

To select a DCS privacy code:

1. After selecting a channel, press the Mode button ⚙️ until the DCS icon appears and the small numbers flash (00-83). If CTCSS is active, the display shows DCS icon and “OFF.” Press Up ▲ or Down ▼ to switch to DCS.
2. Press the Up ▲ or Down ▼ button to select a DCS privacy code. Hold for fast advance.
3. When the desired code is displayed, press Mode ⚙️ to save and proceed, or press Talk ? to return to Standby mode.

For successful communication using privacy codes, both radios must be on the same channel, using the same privacy code system (CTCSS or DCS), and the same privacy code number. Code 00 allows all signals to be heard.

Voice Activated Transmit (VOX)

VOX mode allows hands-free, automatic transmission when you speak. You can set the VOX sensitivity level to match your voice volume and avoid background noise triggers.

To turn VOX mode on or off:

1. Press the Mode button ⚙️ until the VOX icon is displayed. The current On/Off setting is shown.
2. Press the Up ▲ or Down ▼ button to turn VOX On or Off.
3. Press Mode ⚙️ to save and proceed, or Talk ? to return to Standby.

To set VOX sensitivity:

1. Press the Mode button ⚙️ until the VOX icon flashes and the sensitivity level (1-5) is displayed. Level 5 is most sensitive, Level 1 is least sensitive.
2. Press the Up ▲ or Down ▼ button to change the setting.
3. Press Mode ⚙️ to save and proceed, or Talk ? to return to Standby.

VibrAlert® and Call Alert

Your microTALK® radio can alert you to incoming signals with an audible call tone or VibrAlert®.

To change call settings:

1. Press the Mode button ⚙️ until the Call Setting icon is shown. The current setting (0=vibrate+ring, 1=ring only) is displayed.
2. Press the Up ▲ or Down ▼ button to change the setting.
3. Press Mode ⚙️ to save and proceed, or Talk ? to return to Standby.

Note: VibrAlert® is suspended during charging.

Roger Beep Confirmation Tone

An audible tone sounds when you release the Talk button ?, indicating you have finished speaking.

Key Tone

An audible tone sounds each time a button is pressed.

General Specifications

Frequency Allocation and Compatibility

Important Notices & Safety Information

WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to 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.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used according to instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If interference occurs, try to correct it by reorienting the antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, or connecting to a different circuit.

Safety Information for microTALK® Radios:

This wireless handheld 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%.

FCC RF Exposure Requirements: For body-worn operation, this radio has been tested and meets FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with Cobra accessories supplied or designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance. Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the transmitter and violate FCC regulations.

Normal Position: Hold the transmitter approximately 2 inches from your face and speak normally, with the antenna pointed up and away.

FCC Part 15.21 Warning Statement: THE GRANTEE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

IC RSS-GEN: This device complies with ISEDC license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Antenna type and gain must be chosen to keep e.i.r.p. necessary for successful communication. The applicant is responsible for providing proper user instructions and usage restrictions.

Radiation Exposure Statement: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. SAR tests are conducted using standard positions. Before sale, devices are tested and certified to FCC/ISEDC limits. For body-worn operation, this model has been tested and meets FCC/ISEDC RF exposure guidelines when used with an accessory designated for this product or an accessory with no metal that positions the handset a minimum of 10 mm from the body.

MODEL PX880: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to 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 parts with non-recommended parts may violate technical regulations of Part 95 of the FCC rules or type acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the rules.

Warranty & Trademark Acknowledgment

Limited One-Year Warranty

Altis Global Limited warrants this product and its component parts to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for one year from the date of first consumer purchase. Altis will, at its sole option, repair or replace any defective parts. This warranty is valid only for the original consumer purchaser in limited jurisdictions and is not transferable. It terminates if the product is sold or transferred to another party. The product must be purchased from Altis or an authorized dealer. Visit www.cobrawalkietalkie.com for a list of valid jurisdictions.

This warranty does not cover damage due to misuse, abuse, negligence, acts of God, accident, commercial use, modification, improper operation, maintenance, installation, ordinary wear and tear, or unauthorized alterations or repairs. It does not cover products sold “AS IS” or “WITH ALL FAULTS.” It is invalid if the serial number or date stamp has been altered, defaced, or removed.

Warranty applicability and service procedures vary by country. For details, visit www.cobrawalkietalkie.com.

This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state and country. Altis makes no other warranties, expressed or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Any implied warranties are limited to the terms of this expressed warranty.

Limitation of Remedies and Damages: Repair or replacement is the exclusive remedy. Altis shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages, including attorneys' fees or litigation costs, for breach of any express or implied warranty. Altis is not liable for damages caused by the product, including lost profits, lost savings, or incidental/consequential damages. Altis is not liable for claims made by a third party. This limitation applies whether damages are sought under warranty, tort (including negligence or strict product liability), contract, or any other claim.

Some states and countries do not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or exclusion of incidental/consequential damages. This warranty provides specific legal rights, which may vary.

For products purchased in the U.S.A. from Altis or an authorized reseller/agent, Altis will repair or replace defective products at no charge upon delivery to an authorized service center with proof of purchase. The customer pays initial shipping charges; Altis covers return shipping within the U.S.A. if under warranty.

For products purchased outside the U.S.A., contact your authorized local reseller or agent for warranty information.

Trademark Acknowledgment

Manufactured and distributed by Altis Global Limited, official licensee. Cobra®, microTalk®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

© Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA 2018. All rights reserved.