Cobra Hh33 Handheld Tranciever Manual

							Citizens Band
2-way 
Handheld 
CB Radio
“Ingenious Products for 
Easier Communication.” Operating instructions 
for your
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
6500 W. Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707
Printed in Thailand              Cobra Electronics Corp.© 1997            Part no. 480-200-P-001
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3
HH 
						

							CITIZENS BAND
2-WAY HANDHELD RADIOCONTENTS:Introduction
........................................3
Features............................................3
Technical Support and service..........3
Controls and Indicators................4/5
The CB Story....................................6
FCC Warnings..................................6
Included with your HH33....................7
Getting Started....................................8
Antenna............................................8
Battery Chamber..............................8
Operation............................................9
Turning your Hand-Held CB on........9
Setting the Squelch............................9Selecting a channel........................10
LED Display....................................10
Transmit / Receive..........................10
In Vehicle Use................................11
How your CB can serve you..............12
Never Used A CB Before?..............12
A few rules you should know..........13
Channel 9 Emergency Messages....14
CB 10 Codes..................................15
Frequency Ranges..............................16
Specifications....................................17
If You Think You Need Service............18
Warranty Information........................19
Optional Accessories..........................20
3 INTRODUCTION
The HH33 is designed to give you consistent, outstanding performance in
virtually all conditions and situations. To insure you get the most from the
Cobra HH33, please read this operating guide carefully before using the unit.FEATURES-Full 4 Watts Power Output-40 CB Radio Channels
-High Efficiency Flexible Antenna-Battery Saver Circuitry
-Low Battery Indicator-BNC Antenna Connector
-Transmission/Receive IndicatorsTECHNICAL SUPPORT
How to use your
MODEL
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3
HH 
For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk
which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked
questions about Cobra products.
(773) 889-3087
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
AConsumer Service Representative can be 
reached through this same number
8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.
Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently 
Asked Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to
[email protected] 
						

							5 4
1. BNC Antenna Connector
2. Squelch Control
3. On/Off Volume Control
4. Belt Clip
5. Channel Up Key
6. Channel Down Key
7. PTT (Push To Talk) Key
8. Battery Chamber
9.DC Power Jack
10.LED Display Panel
11.Microphone
12.Speaker
PTT
2
3
4
5
1
6
78
111012
9
CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS 
						

							7 6
INCLUDED WITH YOUR HH 33
1. High Efficiency
Antenna
2. Belt Clip
THE CB STORYThe Citizens Band lies between the shortwave broadcast and 10-meter
Amateur radio bands, and was established by law in 1949. The Class D
two-way communications service was opened in 1959. (CB also includes
a Class A citizens band and Class C remote control frequencies.)
FCC regulations permit only “transmissions” (one party to another) rather
than “broadcasts” (to a wide audience). Thus, advertising is not allowed
on CB Channels because that is “broadcasting.”FCC WARNINGSReplacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes or other parts of
a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by Cobra, may
cause violation of the technical regulations of Part 95 of the FCC Rules, or
violation of Type Acceptance requirements of Part 2 of the Rules.
Citizens Band (CB) Radio operators are no longer required to obtain an FCC
license to operate their CB equipment or provide station identification.
Nevertheless, an operator of a CB radio station is still required to comply
with the communications act and with the rules of CB Radio Operation. 
						

							BATTERIESInsert (10) new “AA” Alkaline batteries 
(not provided) into the battery chamber. 
To install batteries, (1) remove the battery
chamber cover from the unit. (2) Install the
batteries according to the polarity markings
provided on the chamber. Note: Incorrect
battery installation can damage the
batteries and chamber. (3) Return battery
chamber cover.
Alkaline batteries:
Top grade Alkaline batteries 
should be used.
9 8
OPERATION
TURNING ON/SQUELCH
TURNING YOUR
HANDHELD CB ONRotate the power ON-OFF
Volume Control clockwise.
Open the squelch by fully
turning counterclockwise 
and adjust the volume to 
a comfortable level.SETTING THE SQUELCHThink of your squelch control 
as a gate for incoming signals. 
If you turn the squelch control
fully clockwise, you effectively
close the “gate” and no signals
will pass through. If you turn 
the squelch control fully
counterclockwise, you 
open the gate and all 
signals come through.
To achieve the Desired Squelch
Setting (DSS), turn the squelch
control counterclockwise until
you just hear noise. Then turn the
squelch control back clockwise
just until the noise stops. This
DSSsetting only lets strong
signals through. 
ANTENNAAttach antenna securely
by turning clockwise.GETTING STARTED
+
–
+
–+
–
+
–
+
–+
–
+
–
+
–+
–
+
– 
						

							LED DISPLAY
TRANSMIT / RECEIVETo transmit, push the PTT button.
The Red TX LED will be displayed 
during transmissions.
Hold the HH33 mic about 2 inches from 
your mouth.
Speak into the microphone in a normal
voice.
Release the PTT button to receive incoming
transmissions.    
**Note: While the PTT button is depressed, 
you cannot receive transmissions.
The Green RXLED is displayed
when the radio is in receive mode.
11 10
PTT
OPERATIONSELECT CHANNEL/DISPLAY/TRANSMITSELECTING A CHANNELTurn on your HH33.
To select a higher channel, push the UP 
arrow key. 
To select a lower channel, push the DOWN
arrow key.
**Note: To quick advance channels, press and
hold the selection key.
•Red LED for TRANSMIT (TX)
•Green LED for RECEIVE (RX)
•Red BATTLOW Indicator
•Red SoundTracker™ “ON” Indicator
PTT
OPERATION
IN VEHICLE USE
IN VEHICLE USEYour HH 33 can be connected 
to a 12 volt power source with 
the cigarette power cord adaptor
provided. Connect adaptor 
as shown.
**Note: Due to the characteristics of
CB transmissions, it may be
difficult to transmit and
receive from inside your car.
Roof mounted antennas can
dramatically improve
transmissions and will
increase your range. You will
need a quality roof mount
antenna and a BNC/SO239
adapter. See accessories
section for details.  
						

							13 12
OPERATION
A FEW RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW
OPERATIONHOW YOUR CB CAN SERVE YOU
A FEW RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW 1. You are not allowed to carry on a conversation with another station for
more than five minutes at a time without taking a one-minute break to
give others a chance to use the channel.
2. You are not allowed to blast others off the air by overpowering them
with illegally amplified transmitter power or illegal high antennas.
3. You can’t use the CB to promote illegal activities.
4. You are not allowed to use profanity.
5. You may not play music in your CB.
6. You may not use your CB to sell merchandise or professional service.
HOW YOUR CB CAN 
SERVE YOU •Warn of traffic tie ups ahead.
•Provide weather and 
road information.
•Provide help fast in event of
emergency or breakdown.
•Suggest good spots to eat 
and sleep.
•Make long trips more interesting,
and help keep 
you awake.•Provide direct contact with your
office or home.
•Make friends as you travel.
•Provide “local information” to find
your destination.
•Help law enforcement 
officers by reporting drunk 
and reckless drivers.Never Used A CB Before?WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR NEW COBRA CITIZENS 
BAND TRANSCEIVER
Citizens Band Two-Way Radios operate on an AM frequency, just
like your car radio.FIRST:When you first use your new CB you should tune to channel 19.
At first, you may hear what you think is a lot of noise and garble.
What you are hearing are parts of many faraway conversations
that are drifting into your transceiver. To eliminate the noise
you need to set up the SQUELCH control. It will silence the
noise by tuning your receiver to hear only close-by com-
munications. Turn the SQUELCH control to the right until you
silence the noise. You will need to adjust this control as the
noise level will go up or down depending on your location.
SECOND:Try a broadcast. Say, Break One-Nine for a Radio Check.
Listen for a response from another CBer near you. If you do
not get a response repeat the message. When you get a
response ask, How are you receiving my transmission?
NOW YOU ARE ON THE AIR! Try asking about the road
conditions, the weather conditions, a good place to eat.
Dont be afraid to talk. 
						

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CB10-CODESCitizens Band radio operators have largely adopted the “10-code”for
standard questions and answers. Its use permits faster communications
and better understanding in noisy areas. The following table lists some
of the more common codes and their meanings:
CodeMeaningCodeMeaning10-1Receiving poorly
10-2Receiving well
10-3Stop transmitting
10-4OK, message received
10-5Relay message
10-6Busy, stand by
10-7Out of service, leaving air
10-8In service, subject to call
10-9Repeat message
10-10Transmission completed, 
standing by
10-11Talking too rapidly
10-12Visitors present
10-13Advise Weather/Road 
conditions
10-16Make pick up at
10-17Urgent business
10-18Anything for us?
10-19Nothing for you, return to base
10-20My location is
10-21Call by telephone
10-22Report in person to
10-23Stand by
10-24Completed last assignment
10-25Can you contact
10-26Disregard last information
10-27I am moving to channel
10-28Identify your station
10-29Time is up for contact
10-30Does not conform to FCC rules
10-32I will give you a radio check
10-33EMERGENCY TRAFFIC
10-34Trouble at this station
10-35Confidential information
10-36Correct time is10-37Wrecker needed at
10-38Ambulance needed at
10-39Your message delivered
10-41Please turn to channel
10-42Traffic accident at
10-43Traffic Tie up at
10-44I have a message for you
10-45All units within range 
please report
10-50Break channel
10-60What is next 
message number?
10-62Unable to copy, 
use phone
10-63Net directed to
10-64Net clear
10-65Awaiting your next 
message/assignment
10-67All units comply
10-70Fire at
10-71
Proceed with transmissionin sequence
10-77Negative contact
10-81Reserve hotel room for
10-82Reserve room for
10-84My telephone number is
10-85My address is
10-91Talk closer to mike
10-93Check my frequency on
this channel
10-94Please give me a 
long count
10-99Mission completed, all 
units secure
10-200Police needed at
Operating Procedure for Emergency Communications
1.
For EMERGENCYcommunications, set radio to Ch. 9. For non-
emergency communications, select desired Channel by rotating the
CHANNEL UP/DOWN tuning knob until reaching the desired Channel.Be sure the antenna is properly connected to the radio before transmit-
ting. Prolonged transmitting without an antenna, or use of a poorly
matched antenna, could cause damage to the transmitter.
2.When asking for aid on Channel 9 it is suggested that you request a
REACTbase to respond by saying Break Channel 9 for a REACT base
and provide the CB DISTRESS DATA (called CLIP):
CALL SIGN-Identify yourself and vehicle.
LOCATION-Be exact.
INJURIES-Number. Type. Trapped?
PROBLEM- Give details and help required. Air CLIP
repeatedly so any
monitor can aid you.
If you dont receive a response on Ch. 9; try Ch.14 or 19.
USE CHANNEL 9 FOR EMERGENCY ONLYFCC gives the following examples of permitted and prohibited types of
communications for use on Channel 9. These are guidelines and are not
intended to be all-inclusive.
PermittedExample Message
YesA tornado sighted six miles north of town.
NoThis is observation post number 10. No tornado sighted.
YesI am out of gas on Interstate 95 at mile marker 121.
NoI am out of gas in my driveway.
YesThere is a four-car collision at Exit 10 on the Beltway,
send police and ambulance.
NoTraffic is moving smoothly on the Beltway.
YesBase to Unit 1, the Weather Bureau has just issued a
thunderstorm warning. Bring the sailboat into port.
NoAttention all motorists. The Weather Bureau advises that
the snow tomorrow will accumulate 4 to 6 inches.
YesThere is a fire in the building on the corner of 6th and
Main Streets.
NoThis is Halloween patrol unit number 3. Everything is
quiet here. 
						

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CB Channel Freq.CB Channel Freq.
Channelin MHzChannelin MHz126.965
226.975
326.985
427.005
527.015
627.025
727.035
827.055
927.065
1027.075
1127.085
1227.105
1327.115
1427.125
1527.135
1627.155
1727.165
1827.175
1927.185
2027.2052127.215
2227.225
2327.255
2427.235
2527.245
2627.265
2727.275
2827.285
2927.295
3027.305
3127.315
3227.325
3327.335
3427.345
3527.355
3627.365
3727.375
3827.385
3927.395
4027.405
HH-33 SPECIFICATIONSGENERAL
CHANNELSCB - 40 CH
FREQUENCY RANGECB - 26.965 TO 27.405 MHZ
FREQUENCY TOLERANCE0.005 %
FREQUENCY CONTROL PLL (PHASE LOCK LOOP) SYNTHESIZER
OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE-30°C TO + 65°C
MICROPHONEELECTRET, PUSH-TO-TALK
INPUT VOLTAGE 12V VDC, INTERNAL BATTERIES
13.8 VDC, EXTERNAL
ANTENNA CONNECTORTYPE BNC
TRANSMITTER
POWER OUTPUT3.5 W AT 12 VDC  - HIGH, 1.0 W IN LOW
4.0 W AT 13.8 VDC - HIGH, 1.0 IN LOW
MODULATIONAM
FREQUENCY RESPONSE300 - 3000 HZ AT -6 DB
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE50 OHMS, UNBALANCED
RECEIVER
CB
SENSITIVITYLESS THAN 1 uV FOR 10 DB S/N
IF FREQUENCYDUAL CONVERSION
1 ST - 10.690 MHZ, 2ND - 455 KHZ
AUDIO OUTPUT500 mW MAXIMUM AT 10 % DISTORTION
FREQUENCY RESPONSE300 - 3000 HZ AT -6 DB
2ND IF IMAGE REJECTIONGREATER THAN 60 DB
ADJACENT CH. REJECTION50 DB MIN.
AUTOMATIC NOISE LIMITERBUILT- IN.
FREQUENCY CONTROL PLL (PHASE LOCK LOOP)
FREQUENCY RANGEThe COBRA HH33 transceiver represents one of the most advanced AM
two-way radios used as a Class D station in the Citizens Radio Service.
This unit features advanced Phase Lock Loop (PLL) circuitry providing
complete coverage of all 40 CB channels as shown below. 
						

							19 18
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its COBRA CB Radios, and
the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials
for period of two (2) years from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty
may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is
utilized within the U.S.A.
COBRA will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective CB radios,
products or component parts upon delivery to the COBRA factory Service
Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as
a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty
service, but the return charges will be at Cobras expense, if the product is repaired
or replaced under warranty. For further details concerning procedures for obtaining
service, see the “If You Think You Need Service” section of the Owner’s Manual.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply; 1) to any product damaged by
accident; 2) in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unautho-
rized alterations or repairs; 3) if the serial number has been altered, defaced or re-
moved; 4) if the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A. 
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
COBRA shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damag-
es; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of
installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitations may not apply to you.
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
6500 W. Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707
If You Think You Need Service, 
Call 773-889-3087
“If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before
sending your unit in. This will ensure the fastest turnaround  time on your repair.”
You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to
furnish the following, in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1.For Warranty Repair, include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a
mechanical reproduction or carbon or sales receipt. If you send the original
receipt it cannot be returned.
2.Send the entire product. Must include CB unit and microphone.
3.Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit. Include a typed or
clearly printed name and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4.Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original
packing material.
5.Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier(to avoid loss in transit)
such as UNited Parcel Service (UPS), Roadway Parcel Service (RPS), or First
Class Insured Mailto Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation,
6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707. Cobra is not responsible for units not
received if package has not been properly insured.
6.If the unit is in warranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or
exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks
before contacting us for status. If the unit is out of warranty a letter will
automatically be sent informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge.
If you have any questions, please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.
For technical assistance, please call our Automated Help Desk
which can assist you by answering the most frequently asked
questions about Cobra products.
(773) 889-3087
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Consumer Service Representative can be 
reached through this same number
8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.
Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently 
Asked Question (FAQ) section at www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to
[email protected]