Midland 77-120esp Transceiver Owners Manual

							Owner’s Manual 77-120 ESP 
 www.midlandradio.com    Page 1 of 13 
 
 
 
Owner’s Manual 77-120ESP 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.midlandradio.com  
						

							Owner’s Manual 77-120 ESP 
 www.midlandradio.com    Page 2 of 13 
Table of Contents 
 
I. Introduction 
II. How to install your Midland mobile CB 
III.  Check the requirements for your vehicle before you begin installation 
IV. 
Installation and operating accessories furnished with your Midland CB 
V. 
Where to locate your CB transceiver 
VI.  Mechanical Mounting  
VII.  Power wiring (negative ground only) 
VIII. 
Mounting the main unit 
IX. 
Installation of microphone hanger 
X. 
Antenna 
a.  How to select, position install and tune the right one for you? 
b.  Where you locate your antenna does make a difference. 
c. Antenna Installation 
d.  Tuning your antenna 
 
XI.  Function & Location of Controls 
a.  Front Panel Controls 
b. Microphone Connector 
c. ON/OFF Volume 
d. MIC Gain 
e. Squelch Control 
f.  RF Gain Control 
g.  Rotary Channel Selector 
h. Channel Display 
i. Frequency Display 
j. TX Indicator 
k. WX Indicator 
l. ESP Indicator 
m. S/RF Display 
n. CB/WX 
o. CH.9 Switch 
p. ESP 
q. FRQ 
 
XII. Back Panel 
a. Antenna Connector 
b. S-Meter Jack 
c.  EXT Speaker Jack 
  
XIII.  How to operate your Transceiver for CB Use. 
 
XIV.  How to operate your transceiver for weather receive 
 
XV.  How ESP2 works 
 
XVI. Technical Data 
 
XVII. Warranty 
  
						

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Introduction - 
 
Your 40 channel CB represents the state of the art in high tech engineering. This 
unit is not only a full feature CB transceiver but incorporates a high performance 
10 channel NOAA weather bureau VHF receiver. The full 10-channel weather 
receiver allows use on all current and future NOAA weather bureau channels 
plus Canadian and international channels. The unit incorporates microprocessor 
controlled PLL circuitry for precise tuning and increased function. Receiver noise 
and interference can now be largely eliminated by the new ESP2™ noise 
reduction system. Also included is a backlighted Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 
digital information center that out-dates CB’s with LED readouts.  
 
 
How to install your Midland mobile CB? 
 
  This transceiver may be installed in any 12 volt negative ground-system 
car or truck. Almost all current U.S. and foreign vehicles use a negative system, 
but some older models and some newer large trucks may have a positive 
ground. 
 
Check the requirements for your vehicle before you begin installation. 
 
  Generally, you have a negative-ground system if the minus (  - ) battery 
terminal is connected to the motor block.  Contact your dealer in the event you 
are unable to determine your vehicle’s polarity system. 
 
Installation and operating accessories furnished with your Midland CB: 
 
1.  Easy removal mounting bracket system. 
2.  Microphone bracket system. 
3.  All main-unit and microphone mounting hardware needed for normal      
     installation. 
4.  Plug-in microphone with coil cord. 
5.  FCC part 95, Subpart D. 
6.  Owner’s Manual. 
 
Where to locate your CB transceiver
. 
 
  Your new Midland CB is designed to be installed under the dash or 
vertically on a console of your vehicle. Safety and convenience are the primary 
considerations in deciding exactly where to locate your radio. 
Caution:  Be sure that the unit is located so that it does not interfere with the 
driver or impair access to any controls.  Connecting cables must be routed and 
secured in such a manner as not to interfere with the operation of the brake, 
accelerator or other controls. Interference from either the unit or connecting 
cables may contribute to the loss of control of the vehicle.  
						

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Mechanical mounting 
 
Note: Extreme care should be exercised when drilling into dash to avoid damage 
to under-dash electronic ignition, cruise control, instrument and / or accessory 
wiring. Your unit must be mounted so as not to interfere with air bag (SRS) 
operation.
 
 
Step 1: Heeding the caution, use the mounting bracket as a template for marking 
the location of screw holes under the dash.  Use an awl, nail or other sharp 
pointed object to mark the metal. 
 
Step 2: Drill a 1/8” hole for each screw hole in the mounting bracket.  Attach the 
bracket to the dash with the 3/8” Phillips machine screws provided. 
. 
 
Step 3: Locate and secure the radio into the mounting bracket allowing working 
space for later power connections. 
 
Power wiring (negative ground only). 
 
Step 1: If you have not determined whether your vehicle has a negative or 
positive ground, do so now. Then disconnect the negative lead from the battery 
to prevent short circuits that can occur during wiring. 
 
Step 2: With negative ground, connect the red wire (the one with in-line fuse 
holder) to either the ( a ) fuse block radio circuit (filtered), ( b ) cigarette lighter 
(unfiltered for noise), or ( c ) directly to the positive post on your battery. 
 
(Usually, the fuse block is the most convenient connecting point. It is also 
possible to connect to the Accessory terminal on the fuse block, so that your CB 
automatically goes off when the ignition goes off, preventing accidental battery 
drainage.) 
 
Note: In many new vehicles the only circuit that has noise filtering is the radio 
circuit. Then tightly connect the black wire directly to the vehicle’s metal frame. A 
good direct metal - to - metal  ground is essential for optimum performance.  
Installations using the cigarette lighter socket for power require an extra ground 
wire from the radio chassis to the vehicle if the radio is not fastened to a 
grounded part of the vehicle. 
 
Step 3: Plug - in the power cord to the receptacle provided on the back of the 
transceiver. 
 
 
 
  
						

							Owner’s Manual 77-120 ESP 
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Mounting the main unit. 
 
Step 1: Position the main unit between the bracket arms in line with the retention 
knobs.  Set the angle for optimum operating comfort and accessibility. 
 
Step 2: Tighten the retention knobs. 
 
Installation of microphone hanger. 
 
Mounting holes are provided on the microphone hanger bracket.  The bracket 
can be attached to the vehicle dash, or other convenient location. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							Owner’s Manual 77-120 ESP 
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Antenna -  
 
How to select, position install and tune the right one for you? 
 
  Basically, you have two types of mobile CB antennas - full-length whip and 
loaded whip - and a variety of types of mounts (depending on where you locate 
your antenna) to choose from. 
 
Midland markets a broad line of high-performance antennas. The dealer who 
sold you your Midland CB can advise which type is best for you. 
 
 
Where you locate your antenna does make a difference. 
 
Some general rules for antenna location that can aid CB performance: 
 
1.  Put your antenna mount as high on the vehicle as possible. 
 
2.  The higher the proportion of antenna length that is above the roof, the better. 
 
3.  If possible, mount the antenna in the center of whatever surface you choose. 
 
4.  Keep antenna cables away from noise sources, such as the ignition system, 
gauges, electric fuel pumps, etc. 
 
5.  Make sure you have a solid metal-to-metal ground. 
 
6.  Exercise care to prevent cable damage. 
 
Essentially, you have five location choices: the roof, gutter, rear deck, front cowl 
or rear bumper.  Where you decide to locate your antenna will determine the type 
of antenna you install.  Again consult your Midland CB dealer for advice and 
guidance, and measure your needs against the attributes of the various Midland 
antenna models he carries.  Weather radio performance may be degraded by 
use of a base loaded antenna. 
 
Antenna installation. 
 
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. 
 
Warning:  Never operate your CB radio without attaching an antenna or with a 
broken antenna cable.  This can result in damage to transmitter circuitry. 
 
 
 
 
  
						

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Tuning your antenna. 
 
Some antennas are factory tuned.  However, performance can usually be 
improved by slightly lengthening or shortening its length, using a Standing Wave 
Radio (SWR) meter.  For the exact procedures to be used refer to the antenna 
manufacturer’s installation manual. 
 
You can buy an SWR meter separately or have your antenna checked by your 
Midland CB Dealer’s service department or a two-way comm shop.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							Owner’s Manual 77-120 ESP 
 www.midlandradio.com    Page 8 of 13 
FUNCTION AND LOCATION OF CONTROLS 
 
 
 
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 
 
1
. MICROPHONE CONNECTOR: Plug in the supplied microphone to this  
    connector. The collar ring has a screw on locking ring. Push the ring onto  
    the units collar and screw on until it is tight.  
 
2. 
ON/OFF VOLUME: In the off position your transceiver’s power is off. Turn  
    this control clockwise to switch on the unit and adjust the volume. 
 
3. 
MIC GAIN: Rotating this control fully clockwise will result in 
    the greatest microphone output.  /rotating the control counter-clockwise  
    reduces the microphone output, improving the sound in high noise  
    environments.  This control can also be used to control optional power  
    microphone output. 
 
4. 
SQUELCH CONTROL: Adjust this control until background noise just   
    disappears. If the control is adjusted too far clockwise it may cause   
    muting of weaker signals. 
 
5. 
RF GAIN CONTROL: This control adjusts the receiver, sensitivity.  Adjust  
    the control for best reception of distant or local stations.  Begin with 
    control fully clockwise. To reduce reception of unwanted distant stations,  
    turn control counter-clockwise until only desired stations are heard.  
						

							Owner’s Manual 77-120 ESP 
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6. 
ROTARY CHANNEL SELECTOR: This easy to operate control allows 
    changing of weather or CB channel, either up or down. This control will 
    not operate when emergency channel 9 has been selected by using the 
    “CH9” button or when the channel “LOCK” function has been activated.  
 
7. 
CHANNEL DISPLAY: LCD (liquid crystal display) read-out of selected CB  
    or weather channel. 
 
8. 
FREQUENCY DISPLAY. Displays channel frequency in MHz and kHz when the 
“FRQ” switch is on. 
 
9. 
TX INDICATOR: LCD indicator for showing the unit is transmitting. 
 
10. 
WX INDICATOR: When this indicator is illuminated it indicates your unit  
      is in the weather receive mode.  Weather channels are displayed. 
 
11
. ESP. INDICATOR: Indicates the ESP2™ “Noise Killer“ circuit has been 
     activated. 
 
12
. S/RF DISPLAY: LCD read-out of received signal strength and relative  
    transmitter power output. 
 
13. 
CB/WX: This button causes your unit to change modes between NOAA  
    weather bureau receiver and CB operation. 
 
14. 
CH.9 SWITCH: Press this for quick selection of emergency channel 9.  
     All other channels are locked out when channel 9 is activated by using  
     the “CH9” switch. Switch off “CH9” switch to return to normal CB  
     operation. 
 
15. 
ESP: Pressing this button controls the ESP2™ audio system.  Channel 
      noises are reduced and voices enhanced when ESP2™ is active. 
 
16. 
FRQ: This switch selects Frequency in MHz display instead of channel 
     numbers. 
 
BACK PANEL 
 
ANTENNA CONNECTOR: Connect a standard 50-ohm CB antenna to this  
      connector. 
 
S-METER JACK: A DC voltmeter may be connected to this jack for  
      precision monitoring of received signal strength. 
 
 
  
						

							Owner’s Manual 77-120 ESP 
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EXT SPEAKER JACK: When a speaker is connected to this jack the  
      internal speaker is by-passed. All received signals will be heard through  
      the external speaker when it is connected. The speaker connected to the   
      “EXT” jack should be rated at 8 ohms and 5 watts or more. 
 
 
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR TRANSCEIVER FOR CB USE 
 
You should become familiar with the controls and complete the preceding 
installation instructions before attempting operation of your CB. 
 
1. Adjust the squelch control fully counter-clockwise 
2. Rotate the on/off volume control clockwise to turn the unit on. Adjust the 
volume for a normal listening level. 
3. Select the desired channel by the rotary channel selector. Rotate the squelch 
control until the background noise is just quieted. You are now in the receive 
mode. 
 
NOTE: If the channel will not change, check that the “CH9 switch is not on. In 
this case switch the “CH9” switch off to deactivate this function 
4. To transmit press the PTT bar on the side of the microphone. Hold the 
microphone 2 to 3 inches from your lips and speak in a normal voice. 
5. To receive simply release the PTT bar. 
 
TO OPERATE YOUR TRANSCEIVER FOR WEATHER RECEIVE 
1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above. 
2. Press the “WX” button. 
3. Using the rotary channel selector select the active channel in your area.