I hear that guy all time time here in northern Indiana on channel 19 always talking something about the desert and back to the bench. He gets really wound up. Its hilarious.
About a year later and I just heard the same person say that exact thing, some words about the desert and going to work on something on the bench hahaha old timers living on cb is great
Actually, Cobra waiting could have been a wise move. This way they could see how they could improve on the other FM's that came out earlier. A NEW Cobra Base with AM SSB and FM.. That would be awesome.
I’m on the fence between the AM/FM president walker III vs. McKinley AM/SSB. Just not sure that FM is the way to go because so few units are in circulation. 🤷♂
That's an awesome 29. I would love to see Cobra make a new base station as well. With all the options and trimmings. Also, update the 148 would be nice
@@FarpointFarms Hey Eric I forgot to mention. It's great to hear that Cobra is on the AM/FM page as well. Hopefully the FM thing catches on fast. Again, Congratulations.
I went for a few years without a CB in my truck but I've been back at it for the past 3 or 4 months now. From your review, I'm running a President McKinley, 102" whip and I'm definitely not running an RM Italy 203P. Been talking all over the US, Canada, Ireland and Bahamas when conditions are right. I'm considering a new President with FM capability if a model has the features I'm looking for: -Scan -SSB -Capable to lower output so you don't burn up the amp we would never use. -I'd really like to be able to skip channels on Scan. I'd be happy to never hear Ch6 again! Thanks for your channels. Hope to catch up on a Livestream sometime, it's been a while since I've made one!
Reminds me when I drove my Ford Crown Victoria...I figured an old school car should have an old school radio..so I put a Cobra 19 Nightwatch in it. I traveled all over the Northeast with that car. That radio has helped me avoid numerous traffic jams in my travels. But I remember one particular day, I was at a dealership I frequently went to for my job. One of the salesman, an older gentleman, asked me "ok I hardly see CB radio anymore. What kind of radio you running in that car?" I told him it was a Cobra 19. He said "Cobra? damn..you're an old soul" lol
@@FarpointFarms Yeah, that green glow kicks ass. I've been told by a few it burns out quickly but mine has been running strong for a few years now. Have fun!
@@lawncaregeneral keep the dimmer knob at the 12 o clock position and no further and you won't blow out the transformer for the Night watch feature. It'll last forever.
Since hooking up my rci 2970n3 (a year or so) I've yet to hear any conversations on FM, iam thinking its due to my location here in Palm Springs, but holding a 10 min conversation with Dallas Rife on SSB is a piece of cake!!!🤠👍
Just got myself a Cobra 29 from Black Fridays sales (coming from the USA to Australia, should be here today/ tomorrow). Also snagged a Cobra external speaker too. Will be mounting it in my shed, and will be putting a Stationmaster (Aussie brand antenna for 11m) up on the hill just behind the shed.
Great radios, I had a 29NWT back in the day. Thanks for your reviews and honest opinions on this channel. Hopefully I can get my base antenna installed properly and maybe talk to ya on the airways some day
I have not owned a CB since early 80s. I recently restored a 1980 f350, and want to put on in. Was thinking going SSB, but really could not find one with that classic look. Was going to get the 148 but Cobra discontinued. Because of this review, though, This one is tops of my list and will likely be the one I purchase. Thanks!
Friend of my wife's at work scored me a Cobra 29 nightwatch limited classic am only and I just got the antenna and power cord in the mail and I'm testing it now in the oil field. I have not been able to pick up anything as of yet
well i just stumbled on your channel and couldn't believe what i was hearing ! Why you may well ask ! I have that very cobra 29ltd nightwatch, but here's the kicker, i'm in the uk, and bought it the early 90's when i was a young trucker here in the uk ! Now mine was only 27mhz and 80 channels FM, until a buddy in a truckstop informed that it has the AM and sidebands already inside it just not connected for the uk/eu market, needless to say he recommended a guy to connect it inside and it worked ! So now i'm wondering if the opposite was true for you guys ! and yes i still have it collecting dust in the cupboard ! Thx for bringing a smile to my face, all the best and enjoyed your video. 😁
Very cool! I'm setting up a cb radio in each of my vehicles and I have an older galaxy in the house hooked up to an Antron but have been thinking about getting one with the new FM option. Looks like I will be for sure.
FM is outstanding if you know someone else who is on it. Super clear. Had mine going through an Antron 99 but switched to a 5/8 wave Sirio 2018 and the clarity is incredibly different.
I love Cobra CB radios. My favorite ones are Cobra 148 GTL and Cobra 148F GTL. I'm waiting for the Cobra 148F GTL AM/FM/SSB to purchase my next Cobra mobile CB radio. Thanks for the video, always good stuff here.
I have a Cobra 29 LTD Classic Nightwatch that I use as my back up radio, it's been Peeked and Tuned, 1 pill amp and all the toys Ham's hate installed, it's a beast on AM, I have GMRS for FM.
As you probably know Eric, I run a Cobra 148 ssb with night watch in the truck and have the 2000 on the bench. I would also like to see a new Cobra Base Radio. 40 channel, ssb, am/fm. Still trying to figure if fm will take off and if it's the wave of future cb radio. Great job
Back in the UK in the 80’s ( Live in Alberta Canada now) CB was very popular. I owned a Cobra 29 AM rig. When on night shift I would take my car up onto the high coal heaps on the coast at the mine where I worked. Had a great experience getting out and enjoying some very long distance conversations due to skip. Then the schools kids got in on the act and rich daddies bought these kids fancy rigs with power mic’s and they would bleed out all over the place and interrupt conversations. There where even those who where nicknamed bucket mouths. They would key the mic and scream bucket, bucket, bucket constantly. Or just key their mic and stay silent because they had high power rigs it spoiled the experience. Then the government decided to outlaw AM CB rigs. We where forced to got FM only. It was a disaster. Max output was a lousy 2 watts. You where luck to get out two miles tops. Also FM doesn’t gently fade away like AM does if your moving, it cuts off like a light switch and bang your connection is gone. We could do some modifications to get out a little further but in the end the hobby died off. All that was left was the standard questions, of what’s your twenty and how much power am I putting out. Constant radio checks and zero conversations to be had. And that’s my story. I still have a Cobra 29 in the basement, hasn’t seen power for a good 28 years plus now. Probably blow up now if I switched it on, but I still need an antenna so I doubt I’d spend the money. My future I hope includes getting a HAM licence and going that route. Otherwise CB is dead to me and only good for the truckers and logging guys who use LADD 2 Thanks for the video, very enjoyable.
Sounds like a lot of 80s users stories. It go bad here for a while too, but the kids moved on, and we were able to keep the 4 watt AM mode here so little by little it came back.
I've got an old Cobra 25 NW ST hiding around here somewhere, have had it for over 15 years. It still works, except for parts of the NW lights which has a spot which burned out pretty early. That was a disappointment but the basic function of the radio is fine. Got a few old snakes , Cobra 89 base, 138 & 139 Base and mobile, as well as the 25NW ST.
@@09DARKORANGEJK I also have both in a galaxy 99v2 shooting ssb skip easily cross the pond compared to my uniden grant in using the 99 I was talking to fellow in Idaho ( me being in WI) he asked to try FM and lo behold we carried on 45 min conversation in FM mode that surprised me !!
@@georgegetterdone896 that’s great. From my experience FM travels further than AM. My buddy will jump in his jeep and I’ll catch him barely on am. Jump to FM and it’s great. No static just clear voice. I shoot ship across the pond as well which I think is very cool.
@@09DARKORANGEJK I have. Not had local luck like that I was staying away from FM use first years I got the galaxy a friend had the ranger big rig ( 600 watt tranciever ) and lived some 30 miles away we would go FM to about 20 and then switch to ssb cause it tightened the transmit power and recieve narrows giving the range back but like I said skip is different animal and I get good FM skip but so few monitor you have to ask if their gear is capable
sweet rig, and looks like soon, they'll offer it in full chrome, and pink as well. which tells me Cobra is acknowledging the fact that more women are getting into truck driving, i don't see any other CB manufacturers doing that! ☮
Off topic does height effect swr. If u have a antenna 15 foot with perfect swr then raise it 30 feet will swr change The thing that would be different is height the coax would be the same and location thanks
With you not changing coax length you should be fine but then again I'm running an old a99 and their pretty forgiving. I've done the same a few times without issue except after I installed metal roof on the house. That was a little tricky. Good luck! 👍
I had an old Cobra 29 LTD in the 1980's and wish I could afford to get back into it. I never want to own anything but a Cobra I met some cool people on mine that I turned into a base station
I like the analog interface of the radio, dont get me wrong i like digital interface. Then again I just plan on running a dual band VHF/UHF transceiver, CB, GMRS, Scanner and HF radio in my truck
Cobra is the company that partition the FCC to allow FM on CB band.many years late but we now have, The UK CB started FM CB in 1981. years back in 1970's we had 23Ch and TV in the US was NTSC format and CB would interfere with ch 2 and 3 the most.causing some tension. FM would have minimum this. That why the UK did FM only. with the switch to ATSC TV this is no longer a problem . some day a 2000 base with FM and SSB or a 148GTL with FM . years back I had Midland CB and they still have them. I miss Radioshack CB's . had a bunch and worked pretty good.
Excellent video Farpoint Farms :) yes loud on is horrible he pins my needle on 30 over when have 1/4 RF Gain and very ignorant person sorry say but true! Also yes I have 1989 & 1990 Cobra 29 LTD CLASSIC have mic on sides need get shop tech fix up and I have 2014 Cobra 29 LTD Classic with mic jack on front still in box and fire up every couple months to! Plus have Realistic and Uniden radios too one should try is Midland! Also should check watts on meter for Am and Fm see if differences on new Cobra !
@@FarpointFarms I like to had my share of 29 ones two from 1989 also 1990 ! Plus had 139XLR also 142 GTL base station one plus 2 was mobile wished keep was 146 GTL and Cobra 25 GTL Classic but sold them all except 2 of 29 models and 2014 model have! But might have get new 29 with am / fm try out too see like too!
He’s a ham radio guy that freebands off repeaters on 19’s frequency in Ohio one of the antennas used is the array at the of 70 and 142 exit. I’ve thought about cutting the wires and putting an electrical tag on them that reads Drivers are tired of Mud Duck. If broadcaster start loosing antennas they will self police him.
Hoping to avoid listening to that asshole ( mud duck in the desert)while trying to talk to someone locally is the main reason I bought a new radio with fm mode. 16:24
are any of the mods/improvements the same with the new FM radios? I LOVE the 29 but really need that extra bit of power/audio on the road and the skip talking shown here is the exact reason why.
Living out in the Phoenix Arizona area, there really isnt any mountains in the way, is there a decent Antenna to use for the Base station i want to have in my office that doesnt need to be reaching to heaven in height but still good enough to use? We have lots or lighting strikes in the summers so obviously it will be well grounded. We dont have many CB radio shops in town anymore either.
Thanks for the video. Do they make after market 12v plugs that would go into the back of these various CBs and then into the 12v socket for power? I want to be able to move it from car to car if I need to so don't want to hard wire it.
I got a feeling like you said Cobra is gonna come out with another radio like you said the base station in a lot better I love to see this for them to make money as a base station,come and go
Outstanding review as usual. Presently setting up the base station in my garage. Work bench and tool area does not allow much room for mounting options. Would using a metal mesh desktop organizer as a shelving unit for radio and power supply cause signal issues or just general problems with all the metal around the radio?
It can depending- Sometime metal can interfere with signals coming from equipment. You might have to play with it and see if it gives you trouble- I would love to hear your feedback. I am still setting up my new studio and space is limited for my radios
Im thinking about this purchase for my Standard 2018 Honda Pilot, moving to Wyoming... would I need a additional Antenna for the outside of my car, or would it work for me distance wise with just what comes in the orginal box as you opened it? Thank You in advance for the help. Tbis is more for my saftey in an emergency such as an accident, or to warn other drivers,truckers about road conditions or ask about road conditions etc...
Best buy offers the add on antenna for 40 bucks so I'll purchase that as well. Thank You in advance for the response. Lastly are these relatively easy to install in a standard vehicle? Im surebincould youtube that as well, but seeing as your very well informed wanted to ask. Thanks again, New Subscriber as well!
With the nature of AM, it is never crisp and clean like FM. The best way to be heard would be to be loud. Not only the preamp microphone you'd want, but you'd definitely want to crack open the case and at the very least find the pot for the modulation limiter and turn that all the way up. I'm sure it violated FCC rules but it's not like we were hooking up a Linear Amplifier or something. If you wanted to be loud and proud and be heard, you did these things. FM is all different. The quiet people you can hear, if you turn your volume up. With VHF FM radios the squelch is often automatic now so you never hear the open air. The CB still has a manual squelch. But what I'm wondering is what it's going to sound like if you turn the modulation limiter up to get close to 120 percent as opposed to maybe only 85 percent. Will that make the FM sound better or will it splatter or something?
Hello I got a question about cb radios. I just got a cobra mini one for my car. Still waiting on the antenna to be delivered, but I’m planning on wiring up the radio itself tomorrow and then just adding the antenna once it comes in. I know you can’t press the talk button because it can fry something inside of the radio, but would it be safe to just turn the radio on without pushing the talk button to make sure that I wired it up correctly and that it works? Thanks!
@@FarpointFarms I picked up a swan electronics SWR-1A SWR meter and I noticed it doesn’t have the “fwd” or “ref” switch, how do I go about using it to tune my radio?
FM is maybe good for clear short range communication. AM with the much lower noise floor is much more pleasant to listen to weak stations with the squelch open. Weak FM signals start to stutter, a weak AM signal stays much longer in the air. AM also does not suffer from the 'capture effect'. Multiple FM signals suppress each other, only the strongest FM signal comes through, I think this is a major disadvantage if you listen to a weak station on a busy channel. In AM you hear all the stations. Personally, I like AM much better!
@@FarpointFarmsAwesome review Eric. What are your thoughts on this.... I'm talking to somebody on a.m., and I decided just to switch it over to FM.... Can I still talk when they are on a.m. and I switch over to FM??
what antenna do you recommend for a 2020 Cascadia, not very cb friendly, i mean the stock antenna is behind the sleeper and im pretty sure that thing bounces signal between the truck and trailer , theres only like an inch it sticks out of from the top of the truck. Also the usual mounting for aftermarket brackets are on the bottom of the side mirrors. What size or type of antenna do you recommend?
Do you have an Anytone ARES II ? I have a new one still in the box that I would love to trade for one of these Cobra radios. The ARES II has to be self programmed and that is far over my abilities and I can't find anyone who can program it. Let me know. I'll even send the ARES II to you first. I just want a good radio I don't have to enter the frequencies.
I’ve been watching your videos for a bit now. I had gotten my old cobra 19+ running again for prepping reasons and ran across skip. Now all I want to do is talk skip. My question is this, can I be heard on a ssb radio without a linear? Im planning to do the two 4ft fire stick dipole in the attic trick. Would like to buy some kind of sideband radio and try it out.
I hear that guy all time time here in northern Indiana on channel 19 always talking something about the desert and back to the bench. He gets really wound up. Its hilarious.
He is entertainment for sure.
About a year later and I just heard the same person say that exact thing, some words about the desert and going to work on something on the bench hahaha old timers living on cb is great
Actually, Cobra waiting could have been a wise move. This way they could see how they could improve on the other FM's that came out earlier. A NEW Cobra Base with AM SSB and FM.. That would be awesome.
Maybe Cobra will read some of these comments and plan their next big radio. A base station would be kinda cool
I have no idea... does ANYONE make a base station anymore? Last time I saw one it had "Radio Shack" on it, so yeah. It's been awhile!
im hoping for a AM, FM SSB basestation.
yes galaxy 2547 base .. see my pic to the left
I’m on the fence between the AM/FM president walker III vs. McKinley AM/SSB. Just not sure that FM is the way to go because so few units are in circulation. 🤷♂
There is NOTHING like unwrapping a new CB from the box. It has that odor like no other that brings joy to us grown up kids!
I know right=
Very nice radio. A classic looking radio. Glade Cobra finally got into the FM model now. I wish Cobra came out with FM about a year ago.
You and me both!
That's an awesome 29. I would love to see Cobra make a new base station as well. With all the options and trimmings. Also, update the 148 would be nice
I'd LOVE to see a Cobra 2000 with modern features in that classic design.
@@FarpointFarms absolutely.
@@FarpointFarms I was just getting ready to post that exact same thought!
OUTSTANDING ERIC!!! Great radio. I've always liked Cobra29 as well, especially the Nightwatch. Congratulations!!!
Thank you for your support! Take care my friend
@@FarpointFarms Hey Eric I forgot to mention. It's great to hear that Cobra is on the AM/FM page as well. Hopefully the FM thing catches on fast. Again, Congratulations.
I love FM on my styker 955. I have a buddy and we regularly talk on FM. Sounds like you’re on a cell phone but with the joy of being on a radio.
FM certainly sounds better!
@@FarpointFarms Only at short distances
They made a Cobra 29 in a 23 channel so way back in the 1970 s . Enjoy your videos.
I owned one for a while. The cobra 29 really is a classic!
I went for a few years without a CB in my truck but I've been back at it for the past 3 or 4 months now. From your review, I'm running a President McKinley, 102" whip and I'm definitely not running an RM Italy 203P.
Been talking all over the US, Canada, Ireland and Bahamas when conditions are right.
I'm considering a new President with FM capability if a model has the features I'm looking for:
-Scan
-SSB
-Capable to lower output so you don't burn up the amp we would never use.
-I'd really like to be able to skip channels on Scan. I'd be happy to never hear Ch6 again!
Thanks for your channels. Hope to catch up on a Livestream sometime, it's been a while since I've made one!
I plan on having one the last week of April. I have another FM radio station to give away!
Crazy fella is right. Hard Drive(Mudd Duck) is a real narcissist. 😄
Great review on this radio, Erik. Thanks!
My pleasure! It is funny how people know exactly who is on the radio.
An insecure narcissist.
Just ordered this radio the other night can’t wait to add it to my collection I found your channel few years ago I have 9 radios now’s lol
Please don't blame me for any addiction to radio that you have found. It is not my fault
@@FarpointFarms😂
Sweet 😅classic with fm thanks for the review again have a blessed weekend for you and the family! 🙏🏼
Thanks!
Cobra has always had FM ! Got my first Cobra 148 GTL DX way back in 1980 which has FM on it as standard !
Perhaps overseas, but here in the states, FM is only a year old.
Reminds me when I drove my Ford Crown Victoria...I figured an old school car should have an old school radio..so I put a Cobra 19 Nightwatch in it. I traveled all over the Northeast with that car. That radio has helped me avoid numerous traffic jams in my travels. But I remember one particular day, I was at a dealership I frequently went to for my job. One of the salesman, an older gentleman, asked me "ok I hardly see CB radio anymore. What kind of radio you running in that car?" I told him it was a Cobra 19. He said "Cobra? damn..you're an old soul" lol
Ha! Love it!!
I've had this CB for a few years now. It's awesome.
Love the nightwatch feature.
@@FarpointFarms Yeah, that green glow kicks ass. I've been told by a few it burns out quickly but mine has been running strong for a few years now. Have fun!
@@lawncaregeneral keep the dimmer knob at the 12 o clock position and no further and you won't blow out the transformer for the Night watch feature. It'll last forever.
Just ordered it.. looking forward to the install 😎🔥👍
Thanks!
Thank you for that- every little bit helps the channel
Since hooking up my rci 2970n3 (a year or so) I've yet to hear any conversations on FM, iam thinking its due to my location here in Palm Springs, but holding a 10 min conversation with Dallas Rife on SSB is a piece of cake!!!🤠👍
SSB is certainly still a bigger part of CB than FM, but remember, SSB has been around for decades. FM only for a year and a bit.
Ol' hardon in the desert 🏜️
I'm glad they did a night watch FM
Everyone knows who he is-
@@FarpointFarms lol yea we do.
I really enjoy all the CB content over the years bud. ☺️🫶
And I appreciate all the support- Take care my friend
@@FarpointFarms 🥰
I recently missed out on a 148gtl-dx which was an export radio that came FM. That is the radio I want to get.
Keep your eye out- sometimes thing just seem to appear when the time is right.
great review on the cobra 29 Eric, wavin a hand from IRELAND 73's take care buddy.
Thanks, you too! I hope all is well there
I just ordered mine, cant wait to install it in my new T680!
I hope you love it
Two years now I have new Cobras, one has the FM. All my old Radio Shack rigs still work but they’re tired. Now I want a night watch 🤠
The Nightwatch function is really nice on this one.
Like the chrome on the mike. Reminds me of Dragnet or one Adam 12.
I remember that show!
One step closer to a SSB mobile or maybe a base rig with all the goods. Doubt it happens but would buy if it did. Thanks for the review!
I am hoping that Cobra will read the comments you guys are making, there are some great suggestions that would make a great radio/basestation
Just got myself a Cobra 29 from Black Fridays sales (coming from the USA to Australia, should be here today/ tomorrow).
Also snagged a Cobra external speaker too.
Will be mounting it in my shed, and will be putting a Stationmaster (Aussie brand antenna for 11m) up on the hill just behind the shed.
That sounds like a great present for you-
Great radios, I had a 29NWT back in the day. Thanks for your reviews and honest opinions on this channel. Hopefully I can get my base antenna installed properly and maybe talk to ya on the airways some day
I hope so too!
Didn’t know they made a new night watch. That’s awesome
Love the glow!
I have not owned a CB since early 80s. I recently restored a 1980 f350, and want to put on in. Was thinking going SSB, but really could not find one with that classic look. Was going to get the 148 but Cobra discontinued. Because of this review, though, This one is tops of my list and will likely be the one I purchase. Thanks!
Glad I could help!
Friend of my wife's at work scored me a Cobra 29 nightwatch limited classic am only and I just got the antenna and power cord in the mail and I'm testing it now in the oil field. I have not been able to pick up anything as of yet
check your SWR, if it is not right, you will not be able to hear much
Appreciate your radio help. God bless.
Thank you
well i just stumbled on your channel and couldn't believe what i was hearing ! Why you may well ask ! I have that very cobra 29ltd nightwatch, but here's the kicker, i'm in the uk, and bought it the early 90's when i was a young trucker here in the uk ! Now mine was only 27mhz and 80 channels FM, until a buddy in a truckstop informed that it has the AM and sidebands already inside it just not connected for the uk/eu market, needless to say he recommended a guy to connect it inside and it worked ! So now i'm wondering if the opposite was true for you guys ! and yes i still have it collecting dust in the cupboard ! Thx for bringing a smile to my face, all the best and enjoyed your video. 😁
Glad you were able to get some extras on your radio- it is like having a new radio
Very cool! I'm setting up a cb radio in each of my vehicles and I have an older galaxy in the house hooked up to an Antron but have been thinking about getting one with the new FM option. Looks like I will be for sure.
FM is outstanding if you know someone else who is on it. Super clear. Had mine going through an Antron 99 but switched to a 5/8 wave Sirio 2018 and the clarity is incredibly different.
FM is a great way to increase range when skip is rolling.
Awesome 29 but I'm working on my ranger rci 6300f25 getting it back running good
I hope you are able to get it running good soon-
I just put one in my shack. Running a 23’ horizontal dipole. I have the chrome one in my truck a few years, no FM. Everything you said!
Good radios for sure!
Only thing that ruined this is hearing Hard Drive as soon as you turn on the radio.
Have you seen the Anytone ARES II? Nice looking radio.
Everyone has their thing- his is being on the radio. I have not taken a look at that one yet.
Yep.
They took.a good radio.and made it even better.As always thanks for the video.
Thanks man! Raleigh Hamfest this weekend. I can't make it, but I still remember hanging out!
@@FarpointFarms That wss a good time.
I love Cobra CB radios. My favorite ones are Cobra 148 GTL and Cobra 148F GTL. I'm waiting for the Cobra 148F GTL AM/FM/SSB to purchase my next Cobra mobile CB radio. Thanks for the video, always good stuff here.
There have been a few comments on people wanting the same thing before buying. Maybe Cobra will read the comments and make it happen
@@FarpointFarms Happy to know that I'm not alone. Thanks.
I have a Cobra 29 LTD Classic Nightwatch that I use as my back up radio, it's been Peeked and Tuned, 1 pill amp and all the toys Ham's hate installed, it's a beast on AM, I have GMRS for FM.
I am sure it is a beast on AM
As you probably know Eric, I run a Cobra 148 ssb with night watch in the truck and have the 2000 on the bench.
I would also like to see a new Cobra Base Radio. 40 channel, ssb, am/fm. Still trying to figure if fm will take off and if it's the wave of future cb radio.
Great job
I REALLY want a Cobra 2000 Base brought back!
I run a superstar 360FM Stealth. A UK only model. Very similar to the Cobra 148GTl.DX.
That 148 with Nightwatch and ssb sounds exactly like what I’m interested in. What specific model number is that?
Back in the UK in the 80’s ( Live in Alberta Canada now) CB was very popular. I owned a Cobra 29 AM rig. When on night shift I would take my car up onto the high coal heaps on the coast at the mine where I worked. Had a great experience getting out and enjoying some very long distance conversations due to skip. Then the schools kids got in on the act and rich daddies bought these kids fancy rigs with power mic’s and they would bleed out all over the place and interrupt conversations. There where even those who where nicknamed bucket mouths. They would key the mic and scream bucket, bucket, bucket constantly. Or just key their mic and stay silent because they had high power rigs it spoiled the experience. Then the government decided to outlaw AM CB rigs. We where forced to got FM only. It was a disaster. Max output was a lousy 2 watts. You where luck to get out two miles tops. Also FM doesn’t gently fade away like AM does if your moving, it cuts off like a light switch and bang your connection is gone. We could do some modifications to get out a little further but in the end the hobby died off. All that was left was the standard questions, of what’s your twenty and how much power am I putting out. Constant radio checks and zero conversations to be had. And that’s my story. I still have a Cobra 29 in the basement, hasn’t seen power for a good 28 years plus now. Probably blow up now if I switched it on, but I still need an antenna so I doubt I’d spend the money. My future I hope includes getting a HAM licence and going that route. Otherwise CB is dead to me and only good for the truckers and logging guys who use LADD 2 Thanks for the video, very enjoyable.
Sounds like a lot of 80s users stories. It go bad here for a while too, but the kids moved on, and we were able to keep the 4 watt AM mode here so little by little it came back.
I've got an old Cobra 25 NW ST hiding around here somewhere, have had it for over 15 years. It still works, except for parts of the NW lights which has a spot which burned out pretty early. That was a disappointment but the basic function of the radio is fine.
Got a few old snakes , Cobra 89 base, 138 & 139 Base and mobile, as well as the 25NW ST.
They are classics. Cobra was "THE" radio to have in your car back in the day.
VR4 counterclockwise turns up AMC.. or transmit audio! Just got one of these for work truck
thanks for the tip
I love the NW option. I think I'd rather SSB, instead of FM.
When people find FM it will take off. The clarity is incredible. With that said though I’m running a radio with both because I also like SSB.
@@09DARKORANGEJK I also have both in a galaxy 99v2 shooting ssb skip easily cross the pond compared to my uniden grant in using the 99 I was talking to fellow in Idaho ( me being in WI) he asked to try FM and lo behold we carried on 45 min conversation in FM mode that surprised me !!
@@georgegetterdone896 that’s great. From my experience FM travels further than AM. My buddy will jump in his jeep and I’ll catch him barely on am. Jump to FM and it’s great. No static just clear voice. I shoot ship across the pond as well which I think is very cool.
@@09DARKORANGEJK I have. Not had local luck like that I was staying away from FM use first years I got the galaxy a friend had the ranger big rig ( 600 watt tranciever ) and lived some 30 miles away we would go FM to about 20 and then switch to ssb cause it tightened the transmit power and recieve narrows giving the range back but like I said skip is different animal and I get good FM skip but so few monitor you have to ask if their gear is capable
@@georgegetterdone896 i agree. SSB gets much better distance. My buddy uses my Stryker 655 so sideband isn’t an option for us when we talk.
I hope they fixed the night•watch issue of it burning out after a few months ! Other than that , they seem really good
I am sure that they did- I love the backlit with this when I am using it at night
sweet rig, and looks like soon, they'll offer it in full chrome, and pink as well. which tells me Cobra is acknowledging the fact that more women are getting into truck driving, i don't see any other CB manufacturers doing that! ☮
Good point. I was just reading about female truckers picking up steam. Glad to hear it. We need more women in the trades.
That was Bells Cb Shop screwdriver. I talk to him sometimes and another radio.
Cool!
Ha, gotta love hearing Hard Drive out in the desert as soon as you turn the radio on 😂
That dude is everywhere!
But he's always "Back To The Bench!" 😆
Dang that's bright 😎
Oh ya!
Off topic does height effect swr. If u have a antenna 15 foot with perfect swr then raise it 30 feet will swr change The thing that would be different is height the coax would be the same and location thanks
It can change the SWR. distance from ground, metal roofs, and such can effect it.
With you not changing coax length you should be fine but then again I'm running an old a99 and their pretty forgiving. I've done the same a few times without issue except after I installed metal roof on the house. That was a little tricky.
Good luck! 👍
Thanks for the reply helps alot
oh no. the was desert mudd duck. he still floods 19 from time to time just rambling.
ha- I believe it was- everyone knows him
@Farpoint Farms he gets more popular with every mention also. Ha.
@@FarpointFarms lol know him for all the wrong reasons..
Hey, can you tell Cobra to make a SSB version, and maybe about an 80w push?. .. lol
Yeah he’s “Fine Tune CB Shop” here on RUclips.
Mark Sherman
I had an old Cobra 29 LTD in the 1980's and wish I could afford to get back into it. I never want to own anything but a Cobra I met some cool people on mine that I turned into a base station
Cobra is a great brand. I have not been disappointment with them at all.
242 by the St Louis arch waving the big hand! 🖐🏿
Thanks for the wave- take care my friend
I just got my cobra 29 ltd .looks like a good radio.
You will have to let me know what you think of it
I like the analog interface of the radio, dont get me wrong i like digital interface. Then again I just plan on running a dual band VHF/UHF transceiver, CB, GMRS, Scanner and HF radio in my truck
Everyone has their style of what they like
It would definitely be great if Cobra revisit the Cobra 148 and add FM to it.
I think they might-I am hoping that they will do something like that to them>
@@FarpointFarms
They did way back in the early '80s. It was for Europe export. Cobra148 gtl dx. AM SSB FM. 3 Bands.
Great vid btw. Ty.
Cobra is the company that partition the FCC to allow FM on CB band.many years late but we now have, The UK CB started FM CB in 1981. years back in 1970's we had 23Ch and TV in the US was NTSC format and CB would interfere with ch 2 and 3 the most.causing some tension. FM would have minimum this. That why the UK did FM only. with the switch to ATSC TV this is no longer a problem . some day a 2000 base with FM and SSB or a 148GTL with FM . years back I had Midland CB and they still have them. I miss Radioshack CB's . had a bunch and worked pretty good.
Good to know!
Glad to see Cobra bring back the night watch. The first series would start to fade after a couple years and cobra eventually discontinued them.
I think they have worked out the kinks with this one
Excellent video Farpoint Farms :) yes loud on is horrible he pins my needle on 30 over when have 1/4 RF Gain and very ignorant person sorry say but true! Also yes I have 1989 & 1990 Cobra 29 LTD CLASSIC have mic on sides need get shop tech fix up and I have 2014 Cobra 29 LTD Classic with mic jack on front still in box and fire up every couple months to! Plus have Realistic and Uniden radios too one should try is Midland! Also should check watts on meter for Am and Fm see if differences on new Cobra !
I have a friend that collects Cobra 29s. He must have 20 variations of them, and I can bet he's got one of these on order!
@@FarpointFarms I like to had my share of 29 ones two from 1989 also 1990 ! Plus had 139XLR also 142 GTL base station one plus 2 was mobile wished keep was 146 GTL and Cobra 25 GTL Classic but sold them all except 2 of 29 models and 2014 model have! But might have get new 29 with am / fm try out too see like too!
A new cobra classic flagship, I would be fully impressed if they would have included a six digit frequency counter .
That would have been cool
I hear that jackass on 19 all the time. He ties the channel up all day, and you can’t get a word in. Glad to see Cobra get into the FM game.
Ha- that seems to be most peoples thoughts on him. This is a sweet radio from them
He’s a ham radio guy that freebands off repeaters on 19’s frequency in Ohio one of the antennas used is the array at the of 70 and 142 exit.
I’ve thought about cutting the wires and putting an electrical tag on them that reads Drivers are tired of Mud Duck.
If broadcaster start loosing antennas they will self police him.
@@RyanMinneyso is he in Columbus?
Hoping to avoid listening to that asshole ( mud duck in the desert)while trying to talk to someone locally is the main reason I bought a new radio with fm mode. 16:24
I can hear his obnoxious ramblings all the way in Va Beach
Would love to see a new Cobra base station. Used ones are almost not affordable anymore.
It's on my wish list for sure!
Very nice!
It is a really nice radio- the nightwatch feature is great for nighttime use
Great review 👍
Glad you liked it
are any of the mods/improvements the same with the new FM radios? I LOVE the 29 but really need that extra bit of power/audio on the road and the skip talking shown here is the exact reason why.
I wish I could tell you, but I don't really get in to tuning radios. Sorry!
Great channel.
Thank you
I really liked the 29wxnwst
Good radios!
Really nice thanks
Thanks
Living out in the Phoenix Arizona area, there really isnt any mountains in the way, is there a decent Antenna to use for the Base station i want to have in my office that doesnt need to be reaching to heaven in height but still good enough to use? We have lots or lighting strikes in the summers so obviously it will be well grounded. We dont have many CB radio shops in town anymore either.
antron a99- it is a great antenna- you are right on making sure it is well grounded.
@@FarpointFarms thank you for the info. I appreciate it. Cheers 👍🍻
Now they need it with sideband AM/FM and sideband. Like the cobra 148 just add FM to the cobra 148
I am sure if given enough time they will come out with one
I love the way night watch looks. But ive never seen one with the back light still working in person. Seems to be a problem
I hope if it was a flaw, they have fixed it. It is a cool feature
@FarpointFarms me too. I have 2 29NW's, and neither of the back lights work. One is new out of the box.
@FarpointFarms oh and a cobra 148NW and the back lit doesn't work on it either
That guy on 19 was Harddrive Mud Duck mobile? Sounded just like him but he is in AZ.
I think so. He's something else.
When I saw "gets an upgrade," I thought you were going to put a MOSFET final in it or something. lol
4 watts is 4 watts. FM is cool though!
Thanks for the video. Do they make after market 12v plugs that would go into the back of these various CBs and then into the 12v socket for power? I want to be able to move it from car to car if I need to so don't want to hard wire it.
Yes, Amazon and eBay sell 12v plugs for these.
@@FarpointFarms Thank you.
I just gave you a shout out to cobra, i just bought it and after purchase it asked what brought you to purchase the product
Thanks for that-
great cb...how did you hook up the power cord to a battery...
I have made a ton of videos that cover all of this- check them out- Too much to type out and make sense
Question tuning your antenna and using a 29ltd classic do you use the sqr meter built in?
No, I don't trust internal meters. I have an old Radio Shack unit that I use.
I got a feeling like you said Cobra is gonna come out with another radio like you said the base station in a lot better I love to see this for them to make money as a base station,come and go
I hope they come out with a Cobra base!
Outstanding review as usual. Presently setting up the base station in my garage. Work bench and tool area does not allow much room for mounting options. Would using a metal mesh desktop organizer as a shelving unit for radio and power supply cause signal issues or just general problems with all the metal around the radio?
It can depending- Sometime metal can interfere with signals coming from equipment. You might have to play with it and see if it gives you trouble- I would love to hear your feedback. I am still setting up my new studio and space is limited for my radios
Im thinking about this purchase for my Standard 2018 Honda Pilot, moving to Wyoming... would I need a additional Antenna for the outside of my car, or would it work for me distance wise with just what comes in the orginal box as you opened it? Thank You in advance for the help. Tbis is more for my saftey in an emergency such as an accident, or to warn other drivers,truckers about road conditions or ask about road conditions etc...
You will need to buy an external antenna to make this work right.
Best buy offers the add on antenna for 40 bucks so I'll purchase that as well. Thank You in advance for the response. Lastly are these relatively easy to install in a standard vehicle? Im surebincould youtube that as well, but seeing as your very well informed wanted to ask. Thanks again, New Subscriber as well!
the uk had FM 42years ago now
Cool!
What are the power requirements for this cb radio? What kind of antenna were you using? Great video, please make more like this.
It was a 1.75 amps- Any CB antenna will work for you
Looking for the best basestation weather scan and Ssb , the bear cat 980ssb seams ok? What’s your opinion? Who love to know , thanks
I have a bear cat980- it is a great radio choice
With the nature of AM, it is never crisp and clean like FM. The best way to be heard would be to be loud. Not only the preamp microphone you'd want, but you'd definitely want to crack open the case and at the very least find the pot for the modulation limiter and turn that all the way up. I'm sure it violated FCC rules but it's not like we were hooking up a Linear Amplifier or something. If you wanted to be loud and proud and be heard, you did these things.
FM is all different. The quiet people you can hear, if you turn your volume up. With VHF FM radios the squelch is often automatic now so you never hear the open air. The CB still has a manual squelch. But what I'm wondering is what it's going to sound like if you turn the modulation limiter up to get close to 120 percent as opposed to maybe only 85 percent. Will that make the FM sound better or will it splatter or something?
Good question. With FM mode so new, its had to say what the "Golden screwdriver" might do to it.
Hello I got a question about cb radios. I just got a cobra mini one for my car. Still waiting on the antenna to be delivered, but I’m planning on wiring up the radio itself tomorrow and then just adding the antenna once it comes in. I know you can’t press the talk button because it can fry something inside of the radio, but would it be safe to just turn the radio on without pushing the talk button to make sure that I wired it up correctly and that it works?
Thanks!
Yes. That will be fine.
@@FarpointFarms I picked up a swan electronics SWR-1A SWR meter and I noticed it doesn’t have the “fwd” or “ref” switch, how do I go about using it to tune my radio?
I'm a new truck driver and I am getting this radio and I was wondering what is a good amp to pair with this radio? That'll get me more range.
The RM Italy 200 is a decent small amp.
@@FarpointFarms thank you
So what's the benefit of FM? I have FM on my Galaxy radios and never once used it nor ever heard anybody transmit on FM.
Fm is for better audio quality
@@FarpointFarms Isn't FM receive and transmission distance less than AM?
correct- FM should give better audio quality but less range
@@FarpointFarms Truthfully I don't see anybody going that route.
I wish they made the background meter white, and the light really bright
Those white leds bug me while driving.
FM is maybe good for clear short range communication. AM with the much lower noise floor is much more pleasant to listen to weak stations with the squelch open. Weak FM signals start to stutter, a weak AM signal stays much longer in the air. AM also does not suffer from the 'capture effect'. Multiple FM signals suppress each other, only the strongest FM signal comes through, I think this is a major disadvantage if you listen to a weak station on a busy channel. In AM you hear all the stations. Personally, I like AM much better!
I will say FM is great for convoy type use when the AM band is heavy with Skip. It mutes all that stuff and offers clear channel talking.
Agreed, FM is great for that.
I have a custom-built Cobra 29 LX. Do you think it's possible to add FM to that radio?
I am not sure about that-
@@FarpointFarmsAwesome review Eric. What are your thoughts on this.... I'm talking to somebody on a.m., and I decided just to switch it over to FM....
Can I still talk when they are on a.m. and I switch over to FM??
Eric how is this new amfm Cobra been performing for you?
I wish they had added the scan feature like the presidents FM radios. Otherwise it is fantastic
That feature would be handy- maybe they will take a close look at some of the comments and make a radio that has everything that people want
@@FarpointFarms that would be great especially since they have the capability to do it and they sell radios like crazy
Do thay make them like that with am fm and weather
Yes they do
What about an export radio review?
I don't come across them very often. I'll try and find one.
Is that a surface mount board?
I never opened it up, so I am not sure
what antenna do you recommend for a 2020 Cascadia, not very cb friendly, i mean the stock antenna is behind the sleeper and im pretty sure that thing bounces signal between the truck and trailer , theres only like an inch it sticks out of from the top of the truck. Also the usual mounting for aftermarket brackets are on the bottom of the side mirrors. What size or type of antenna do you recommend?
Dual firestick antennas mounted to the side mirrors is the way I'd go.
Correct!
I wonder if they fixed the notorious problem of the night watch going dead?
Time will tell, but it looks great!
Wow, that back lighting is sexy. Im getting it.
Right on!
@FarpointFarms of course all the other features are awesome. Really need it for work, otr. Great review btw 👌
Switching to FM didnt get rid of the noise, its just that you cant listen to an AM transmission on FM.
Sorry to hear that
How do I post a picture of the comment?
can you email it? farpoint.farm.survival@gmail.com??
@FarpointFarms i sent it, the second picture is better
Do you have an Anytone ARES II ? I have a new one still in the box that I would love to trade for one of these Cobra radios. The ARES II has to be self programmed and that is far over my abilities and I can't find anyone who can program it. Let me know. I'll even send the ARES II to you first. I just want a good radio I don't have to enter the frequencies.
I appreciate the offer, but I try to stick with conventional 11 meter CB radios.
I’ve been watching your videos for a bit now. I had gotten my old cobra 19+ running again for prepping reasons and ran across skip. Now all I want to do is talk skip. My question is this, can I be heard on a ssb radio without a linear? Im planning to do the two 4ft fire stick dipole in the attic trick. Would like to buy some kind of sideband radio and try it out.
I have talked skip plenty with just the standard 4 watts AM or 12 watts SSB. Go for it!
I’m going to, thanks for the info!