Got A Question For The Squirrel

[dirtyoldman]

I have an old Cobra XLR that will receive but won't transmit.The mod light doesn't light up,but the needle on the meter will move when keying the mic.I'm thinking of getting it fixed but not sure if it's worth it.

Watcha think?

[That Crazy Squirrel]

Originally Posted by dirtyoldman

I have an old Cobra XLR that will receive but won't transmit.The mod light doesn't light up,but the needle on the meter will move when keying the mic.I'm thinking of getting it fixed but not sure if it's worth it.

Watcha think?

When you can buy a brand new Cobra in any truck stop for under $50, and shop labor rates to work on a radio these days start at $55, the math is pretty simple.

A local ham or tech might be willing to work on it for just a few bucks plus parts, but if it's a blown final amp (you're giving almost a classic description of one) then the part itself is about $35.

Heck, you could probably find half a dozen used CBs on any given weekend just by going to yard sales, and not pay more than $5.00 each.

Also, when you do replace it, get an SWR meter and check your antenna. Sounds like it needs some tuning.

[dirtyoldman]

You're right,this CB just isn't worth the trouble or the expense.I'll check CL,yard sales and swap meets.If I was going to be using it a lot I'd buy a new one but I just mainly use it when off-roading to chat with other trucks.

There sure are some nice new ones out there though

[That Crazy Squirrel]

Cobra 19 DX IV is currently under $35 on Amazon and is an excellent little rig. They usually sell for about $45 in truck stops, so about the same cost (with shipping) either way. For what you're using it for, as part of your safety equipment, I don't think I'd want to trust a yard sale or Craig's List bargain. It'd be worth the few extra bucks to me, just to know the rig was in good shape and working properly.

[dirtyoldman]

Something like this little guy?It's not a DX but it works pretty good and fits nicely in the CD player pocket.

[Black02Silverado]

I have an old Cobra 29 that I got back in 1977. I'm told it is still a great CB. Have not used it in years. I guess I should get it out and see if it still works.

[Texas Jim]

Originally Posted by Black02Silverado

I have an old Cobra 29 that I got back in 1977. I'm told it is still a great CB. Have not used it in years. I guess I should get it out and see if it still works.

That reminds me... I have an old HiGain V, SSB with a VFO... I wonder if it still works...

[That Crazy Squirrel]

Originally Posted by Texas Jim

That reminds me... I have an old HiGain V, SSB with a VFO... I wonder if it still works...

If not, I just saw one for sale on ebay for $14.95

[That Crazy Squirrel]

Originally Posted by dirtyoldman

Something like this little guy?It's not a DX but it works pretty good and fits nicely in the CD player pocket.

Yup, the DX IV is the most recent version of that puppy. I have one in my truck.

[Texas Jim]

Originally Posted by That Crazy Squirrel

If not, I just saw one for sale on ebay for $14.95

I used that radio for years in several different vehicles... had a Midland SSB 23 channel base with split crystals... 23 channels above the regular 23 and 23 more below.