Is this Cobra CB any good?

[TACODOC]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cobra-75WXST-All-in-One-40-ch-CB-Radio-w-weather-NEW_W0QQitemZ280016153961QQihZ018QQcategoryZ40055Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I like this as it is a remote mount and saves space in the cab. I will also need a good antenna and mount, any suggestions?

Thanks,
...Doc

[Life_in_4Lo]

I know several people that have one. I had one but sold it and now have the Midland 72-822... or something like that. It is the Midland version of the Cobra.


*edit- oh yes, the Cobra is good from what people tell me! sorry didnt mention that!

[cruiseroutfit]

I just put one in my Taco and have another one to go in my FJ40 (replacing a Uniden). Nothing wrong with the Uniden, its been a great radio, but the 75WXST works killer and is very sleek to mount. I put the contol box behind the ash tray on my Tacoma...

[flyingwil]

A CB is a CB, from what I hear it is all about the antenna since they are all limited to 4w if I remember correctly.

Here is an install you might be interested in:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2045659/2

[DaveInDenver]

A CB is a CB, from what I hear it is all about the antenna since they are all limited to 4w if I remember correctly.


Yup, that's pretty much true. A radio needs to be working right and so having the once over done on it is worthwhile, which is generally just a tune-up to make sure it's within specs. Your antenna is far more important for range than anything. This is true of all radios, not just CB.

I've heard good things about these Cobras, they work great and are very convenient. I really dig the install with the box behind the dash, super clean!

[crawler#976]

I had problems with that radio - the handset failed twice, and was repaired the first time under warrenty. The second failure was after the warrenty expired, so I replaced the unit with a cheapy from Radio Shack.

The first failure was due to vibration cracking a solder joint - don't know what happened the second time...

[DaveInDenver]

I had problems with that radio - the handset failed twice, and was repaired the first time under warrenty. The second failure was after the warrenty expired, so I replaced the unit with a cheapy from Radio Shack.

The first failure was due to vibration cracking a solder joint - don't know what happened the second time...

Where did you have the handset mounted? I'd have thought the base part being hard mounted would have the vibration issues and not the handset.

[crawler#976]

I had the handset mounted to the dash using the supplied mike hanger. The remote box was mounted to the floor under the right front edge of the d'side seat. That worked out well for the mic cord - it was basicly half way between the dash and my mouth when using the mic.

[Scott Brady]

I had the same unit in my Jeep. Worked great for about 2 years, than the PTT button failed.

[Dave]

I had that CB in my Jeep for several years and then transplanted it to my Tacoma once the Jeep was gone. I removed the ash tray and mounted the junction box in the back of the now vacant space. I haven't found a place I like for mounting the handset, so for now it lays between the driver seat and the console. I don't use my CB all that often, but it gets the job done when I need it. Honestly, lately I use it more for the NOAA bands then anything else.

The handset is heavier then a typical CB handset, of course. I might suggest getting an aux. speaker as well. Sometimes the speaker in the handset can be hard to hear.

[TACODOC]

Thank you for all of your input, looks like this one will do! :box:

Now, for an antenna...

[LexusAllTerrain]

Great news, Now how about this one!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140016773701&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores&refitem=280016153961&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget

[+ d]

I've got one too, works great so far!

Here's a link to my installation (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11178&postcount=16)...the only 'unique' aspect of it is that I rigged up a quick-disconnect for my magmount antenna. It seemed preferable to go with optimum antenna location and have it removable rather than try and keep the location street friendly and have my reception suffer.

[Nullifier]

I have had the 75 series now for 3 years. I took it in and had it tuned up. It works great and the range is fantastic with my new antenna mount on the cargo rack.

I did run a seperate ground wire for the antenna but the height gained in the new mount added a lot of range.

[TACODOC]

How is this for an antenna setup: http://www.firestik.com/Catalog/NGP_M2.htm

I will be mounting my antenna in the rear corner near the tailgate, with a composite bed I'm thinking the "no ground plane" setup is preferable for my application, no?

[pskhaat]

Allow me to comment if I may, but I would very much consider using a ``hood lip'' mount. Some no-ground-plane antennas work on the basis of making the coax feedline act as the counterpoise, though making the SWR low and the impedence match, greatly introduce loss into the system. You mileage may vary greatly however and I can't comment on the firestik products.

Personally, I don't think you can beat for performance or cost a basic hood mount and a basic metal whip antenna. Mounted near to the center of the vehicle as possible with a true gound plane and you'll be very suprised where 4 watts on 11 meter can take you.

Again, I think you may be perfectly fine with whatever you choose, just consider the above.

[DaveInDenver]

How is this for an antenna setup: http://www.firestik.com/Catalog/NGP_M2.htm

I will be mounting my antenna in the rear corner near the tailgate, with a composite bed I'm thinking the "no ground plane" setup is preferable for my application, no?

'No Ground Plane' is sort of a relative term, don't put too much stock into the marketing stuff. There is nothing magically about antennas. A 'NGP' antenna is usually one that is electrically 1/2 wavelength long and so there is an electrical null at the feedpoint, which means that it's just less reliant on a ground plane. There are other issues with a 1/2 wavelength antenna that can make them more and less attractive (I doubt anyone on a Friday afternoon is remotely interested in the physics of why). Suffice-to-say that the most common antennas are 1/4 & 5/8 wavelength for a reason.

Anyway, Firestiks seem to be fine antennas. I wouldn't pay a whole lot for a CB antenna, really good ones aren't necessarily the expensive ones. Take care to mount it securely and make nice connections. Then be sure to tune it! CB antennas are rarely tuned well from the factory.

Can you describe a little more what you're thinking of doing? Are you trying to avoid drilling, for example? I've had good luck with mounting a 5/8 wavelength whip on the front bumper (I also have an ARB). It's a sorta odd pattern, but does seem to work well enough. The mounts that fit on the edge of body panels work well, too. Personally I got fed up with having my antennas on the front of the truck and just drilled holes in my roof. Best thing I've done to the truck in a while.

[TACODOC]

Here is the location I'm considering:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/th_34466943B232327Ffp633Dot3E23533D463.jpg (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/devildoc25/34466943B232327Ffp633Dot3E23533D463.jpg)

Comments? Suggestions?

Where can I buy a Firestik antenna setup in the OC, San Diego area??? I need it this week!