Albrecht AE4190 CB Radio Operating Manual

							 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CB RADIO 
AE 4190 
 
OPERATING  MANUAL  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALAN Electronics GmbH 
Dovenkamp 11 
D- 22952 Lütjensee 
www.albrecht-online.de 
 
  
						

							 
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  Index 
 
 
Important note 3 
Introduction 3 
Accessories included 4 
Safety Precautions 4 
Front view 5 
Rear view 5 
Country switch setting before Installation 5 
Installation of the radio 6 
Power supply 7 
Antenna connection 8 
Operation 8 
 Before switching on 9 
 Switching on and adjusting volume 9 
 Selecting the operating channel 9 
 Field intensity meter (S-meter) 9 
 Adjusting squelch (muting) 9 
 AM / FM mode switch 10 
 Special interest channels  10 
 Direct CH 9 Access button 10 
 Transmitting and correct use of microphone 11 
External sockets 12 
 External loudspeaker 12 
 External S-meter 12 
 Microphone socket 12 
Service and Warranty informations 13  
Legal Information 13 
 Albrecht Radio Passport 13 
 Declaration of Conformity 16 
Technical Details 15 
Service contacts 15 
						

							 
 3
   
   Important Note 
 
Your Albrecht AE 4190 corresponds to the latest European CB standards. As a unique 
feature, it has a country switch which allows selecting the operation mode according to 
the country, where You intend to use the radio. Please make sure that You apply for a 
licence depending on the country where You live or where You intend to use the radio, 
and put the country switch on the back side of the radio into the correct position before 
installing and connecting the power supply!  
 
 40 FM  40 channels FM / 4 Watt (former “CEPT” settings with 40 Channels 
FM according to EN 300 135-2). This mode is free of charges and 
licences in nearly all European countries (actual conditions for use 
can be found in our “Radio Passport”). 
 
 80/12 80 channels FM / 4 Watt, 12 channels AM / 1 Watt (Germany). You 
need a licence to operate the radio in this mode, and in certain 
border regions of Germany transmitting on channels 41 to 80 in FM 
is not allowed. 
 
 40/40 40 channels FM / 4 Watt, 40 channels AM / 1 Watt. Latest 
European Standard EN 300 433-2, not yet applied in all countries. 
In Belgium,  France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and 
Switzerland You need a licence to operate the radio, while it is 
already free of charges and licence in Finland and Netherlands. 
 Introduction 
 
Your new Albrecht CB Radio AE 4190, developed and manufactured in accordance with 
the latest CB regulations, offers you: 
 
· 40 channels FM / 4 watt       or 
· 80 channels FM / 4 watt / 12 channels AM / 1 Watt     or 
· 40 channels FM / 4 Watts / 40 channels AM / 1 Watt 
· Channel selection knob on the radio set and UP/DOWN buttons on the 
microphone 
· Channel scan up and down the frequencies 
· Direct Access button to Channel 9 
· Multifunction LC display  
· 6-pole microphone socket, suitable for amplifier microphones, selective 
calling systems or Packet Radio modems/ TNC’s 
· Socket for external S-meter 
· Socket for external loudspeaker   
						

							 
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Please read this operating manual through carefully. This will enable you to make use of 
all the functions your new CB Radio has to offer as soon as possible. 
 
 
 Accessories included  
 
 
Your AE 4190 comes operational with the following accessories: 
 
· mobile mount 
· fixed connected DC power cable with looped-in fuse 
· Electret hand-held microphone with pre-amplifier and UP/DOWN buttons 
· microphone hanger 
· various screws to fasten the radio and microphone fixing devices 
· User manual with circuit diagram and Radio Passport 
 Safety Precautions 
 
People with pacemakers are recommended as a precaution to consult their doctor 
before operating the CB radio. Not all types of pacemakers are sufficiently protected 
from radiation from a nearby transmitter, so do not assume it is safe to start operation 
without checking! Please remember that you are in the immediate vicinity of a 
transmitting antenna, particularly when used as a mobile radio or with indoor antenna. If 
your doctor, or the manufacturer of the pacemaker, has recommended keeping a certain 
safe distance from the antenna, then please follow their instructions! 
Do not transmit without connecting the antenna and never touch the antenna during 
transmission! 
Please also take road safety into account! CB Radio (even when only receiving, 
particularly when volume is turned up) can divert your attention from the road! Road 
safety is of course to be given priority! Therefore only use your ALBRECHT AE 4190 
when the traffic situation enables it to be used safely. 
 
 
  
						

							 
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   Front view 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rear view 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Country switch setting before installation 
 
 
Before You install Your new CB radio, You should preset the country switch on the rear 
side of the radio according to the local authority requirements. If You should not need 
any individual CB licence in Your home country or the country where You want to travel 
to, You should use the factory default setting of the switch: This is the lowest position on Channel switch Squelch   Receive Volume AM-FM-switch CH 9 switch ON / OFF Brand plate with country list Country switch in 80/12 position DC power cable  
13.2 V External speaker 
8 Ohms, min. 2 W Socket for external S-meter  
						

							 
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  the picture, 40 FM. Please note: the latest list of country specific requirements can be 
found in our “Radio Passport”. 
 
40 FM This is former “CEPT” mode, the position which is allowed in most countries. 
Here the radio works on the international 40 Channels in FM mode. The 
Mode switch on the front side is disabled in this mode.  (Caution: In some 
countries You may still need a licence, even for 40 CH FM!) 
 
40/40 This medium position can be used in those countries, where already all 40 
international channels are allowed to be used in AM and FM. AM was 
traditionally used by CB from the beginning in the early 60’s in USA, and it is 
still the preferred mode of all truck drivers in the world. Please use this mode 
only in countries according to the list in the Radio Passport, and please apply 
for an individual licence where requested. 
 
80/12 This position (the upper position) is only allowed to be used in Germany, and 
an individual licence is necessary. Restrictions are still in force in the border 
regions to other countries (except to Czechia), where transmitting on 
channels 41 – 80 is not allowed or only with a special licence.  
 
Re-Programming to another country code 
This is possible at any time, but You must 
· disconnect the radio completely from power supply (disconnect the DC cable or take 
out the fuse!) 
· wait about 10 seconds 
· switch to the new position 
· connect the radio again to power supply. 
 
Note: never shift the country switch to another position while the radio is in use or 
connected to a power supply. Malfunctions may result! 
 
 Installation of the radio 
 
You can either operate your ALBRECHT AE 4190 in the car or at home as a  base 
station. For installation as a mobile station in the car, a mobile mount device is 
enclosed. Mount the set in such a way that it is not exposed to direct sunlight if possible, 
as this would lead to an increase in the temperature and can decrease the (set’s) 
working life. The set should also not be installed near a heater. Mount the set in such a 
way that it is exposed to as little vibration as possible. 
The mobile fixing device should be attached to the dashboard, the tunnel slot or to any 
other suitable place using the enclosed tapping screws. Do not install the set in a place 
where it could cause injuries in the case of an accident (be particulary careful to ensure 
free leg movement). Take care not to damage any underlying wires during installation!  
Then insert the radio into the mobile mount. Secure the set with the large knurled screws 
(using the enclosed plastic washers) firmly at the required angle.    
Also mount the microphone hanger using the enclosed screws in an easily-accessible 
place.   
						

							 
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  In order to prevent interference to the vehicle electronics from transmission in the 
vehicle, please make sure to take any mounting instructions from the vehicle 
manufacturer for radios and antennas into account.   
 
 
 Power supply 
 
Your AE 4190 receives power from the fixed mounted 2 wire power cable. 
 
The cable has a looped-in fuse in a plastic holder.  
 
You can choose from two methods when connecting to the power supply (red and black): 
 
Example 1 
The channel  and mode last used should be maintained after switching off; the 
set should be able to be switched on and off at any time using the POWER 
on/off switch. 
 
Connect up the red coloured wire to the positive pole on the vehicle battery (or 
elsewhere in the vehicle’s electrical system with permanent plus) or to a 12 volt 
external power supply unit. 
 
Connect up the black wire to the negative pole on the vehicle battery or the 
power unit or to a well-conductive part of the car body.  
 
Example 2 
The set should be automatically switched on and off with the ignition. There is no 
last used mode and channel memory and the radio always re-starts on Channel 
1 in FM. 
 
Attach the red wire to a part of the vehicle electrical system which is 
interconnected to the ignition. 
 
 
Note for all connecting methods: 
 
For EMC reasons, the cable used to connect to the power supply should be no longer 
than 3 metres.  
If  you wish to operate your set at home from the mains supply then please only use a 
stabilized power pack with at least 2 amps permanent current-carrying capacity. Under 
no circumstances should you use a car battery charger, as these chargers are not 
stabilized and during open circuit reach such high voltage levels that your radio set could 
be destroyed.    
In any case, please set the country switch on the rear side to the correct country position 
before You connect the DC cable!  Do not change country switch position while radio is 
still connected to power supply. 
 
If in base station use it is important to you that the last used mode and channel is kept in 
memory even after switching off and on again, then please do not switch the external 
power supply power unit off when you switch your set off for a short time. Only use the 
on/off switch on the set itself.  
						

							 
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 Never repair a blown fuse with “silver paper” or with aluminium  foil!  Use only 
“USA” type glass fuses with 2 to 2.5 Ampere. If the fuses keep blowing, check 
for correct DC polarity, and if necessary, please give your radio set to your 
servicing dealer to be repaired or hand it in to Albrecht’s service station. 
voltage variation for this radio is up to 15.6 volts. Never exceed this voltage 
under no circumstances! The transmitting stages for your AE 4190 are 
electronically stabilized, and therefore it is impossible to increase output by 
means of excessive supply voltage. Such attempts may lead to serious damage 
to the radio set but will never increase output power! 
  
 Antenna connection 
 
Connect your CB antenna to the ANT socket on the rear side of your ALBRECHT AE 
4190. Most CB antennas must be tuned to best radiation during installation to give 
highest effective communication range. CB specialists do that job with a standing wave 
meter to check and adjust the aerial. Tune the aerial to the best standing wave ratio 
(SWR) on an intermediate channel e.g. using Channel 1 in 80/12 mode (26.965 MHz) or 
Channel 20 in all other modes. 
 
On this channel you should attain a SWR of approx. 1.5 or less. If the SWR deteriorates 
on the highest (Channel 40) and  lowest (Channel 41) channels up to a value of 2.5, then 
your aerial is still acceptable. SWR above 3 is too bad for good communication range. 
A bad SWR may also indicate that there is perhaps an installation error or missing 
ground. Problems may be caused through missing ground, especially in boats and 
motor homes with fiber glass body. For these cases, Albrecht offers a special 
connecting cable with matching box as “artificial ground” (AKM 27) 
 
Some antennas, like “Gamma II” are broadbanded and do not need any 
retuning during installations.  
 
Even if your AE 4190 has a particularly robust transmitter high-level 
stage which can even withstand mismatching of SWR=3, you 
should still never transmit without an antenna!  
    
 Operation 
 
Before switching on 
· Turn SQL  (squelch control) left as far as possible 
 
· Turn VOL (Receiving volume) control from counter-clockwise  position slightly right.  
  
						

							 
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  · Push POWER switch.  Initially, all  LC display icons and buttons are illuminated, while 
radio makes a short self-test. Then CH 1 will appear in FM. 
 
· turn VOL further until desired volume is reached. 
 
Selecting the operating channel 
On the radio set: 
· With the channel knob You can continuously select channels. The present channel is 
displayed.  
  
On the microphone: 
· Press the Ù or Ú button on the microphone briefly, to switch up or down a channel.  
· Press the respective button longer to run up or down through the channels. The 
present channel is displayed.  
 
Field intensity meter (S-meter) 
On the graded bar display You can see approximately how strong the receiving signal is.  
 
The scale under the bar display (S1 to +30) helps with orientation for an input signal in 
the stages S1 to S9+30dB. 
 
Please note: the field intensity meter only registers a signal when the muting control has 
opened. 
 
Adjusting squelch (muting) 
Particularly in FM, noise can be a nuisance on a free channel. With the muting control 
(SQL) You can suppress this noise - but also signals which are too weak to be received 
properly. 
 
This is how to adjust the signal strength required to switch on the loudspeaker, using the  
SQL control knob:  
 
The further the control knob is turned to the right, the stronger a signal has to be in order 
to be audible through the loudspeaker.  
 
In order to adjust the set to be the most sensitive to incoming signals, switch to a free 
channel: 
 
· Use the rotary switch or the microphone buttons to find a free channel, where 
no signal is displayed. 
· Then turn the SQL control carefully to the right until the noise just about 
disappears. 
 
Now the loudspeaker stays off when on a free channel but it switches back on when 
receiving even very faint signals.  
 
The muting adjustment is particularly important when You intend 
to receive far away stations. Please do not tune the SQL knob too 
much into clockwise direction, unless You really intend only to 
receive local signals. Therefore you should test the various 
muting settings for various signal strengths and get to know this 
function.   
						

							 
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AM / FM mode switch 
 
In the two programming modes 40/40 and 80/12, FM modulation is available on all 
channels, but AM only on channels depending on country switch position. AM modulation 
is available on all 40  channels in 40/40 or only on 12 channels (CH 4 to 15) in 80/12 
mode. On these channels you can switch between AM and FM using the Mode button.  
The display shows either AM or FM accordingly. 
 
When you switch on the set the first time it operates on FM. 
 
Please note that in 80/12 mode, on channels 1-3 and 16-80 it is not possible to operate 
on AM. If You should start in FM mode, the MODE button will not react on forbidden AM 
channels. Select an allowed channel for AM, then use Mode button to switch to AM.  
Your radio is set to AM (see Display Icon). When You leave the allowed AM range, the 
radio will automatically switch back to FM. 
  
Special interest channels 
There are a few channels which have established themselves for certain purposes: 
 
Channel 1  Call channel on FM 
Channel 9  Call and emergency channel, also Trucker channel on 
AM in Germany 
Channel 16  Water sport channel 
Channel 19  Trucker channel on AM in France, Spain and Italy 
Channel 24/25 Data transfer (Packet Radio, Germany only) 
 
Some recommendations have been worked out by the CB clubs for the new channels 41 
to 80 in Germany. To find out which channels are suitable for special purposes, please 
get in touch with the respective groups or check in CB magazines.  
 
Direct CH 9 access button 
 
Using the CH 9 button You can switch at any time from the present channel (normal 
channel modus) to the international calling and emergency channel 9 and switch back 
again.  
 
· After briefly pressing the CH 9 button, the number CH 9  will appear instead of the 
previous working channel.   
· If you briefly press the CH 9 button again the set switches back to normal modus: you 
will again will be able to see the number of the channel last used. 
 
Especially in Germany CH 9 is used by nearly all (!) truck drivers in AM for their traffic 
communication. This means: a large number of stations are listening in. If the worst 
comes to the worst (e.g. in case of accident etc.) there is a good chance that someone 
will be listening.  
 
To call other stations, who you know are listening in on channel 9, you can also use this 
channel. Call up the desired station on channel 9. As soon as contact has been made, 
agree on a free channel for your conversation and then channel 9 will be free again for 
other calls.