Brand New Cobra 29LTD - issues

[Mark@sea]

Hi Folks,
Brand new out of the box Cobra 29 (black chrome version). I hook it up and have some interesting issues... been a long while since I left the hobby - did something happen to Cobra quality or did I just lose the lottery?

1 - Recieve. Or properly, lack of same. No recieve, not even static, unless RCV Gain is at 90% or better. Yes, squelch is off.
2 - Volume. Again, lack of same. Sure, I'm older'n I used to be, and a little more hard of hearing, but unless the volume control is at 80% or better, I get only a whisper.
3 - AWI. When the vehicle engine is off and I key, I get the expected. However, as soon as I start the vehicle, when I key the AWI comes on. SWR doesn't change, though, according to the meter.
4 - Display is way, way, WAY too bright for night driving. Yes, I searched the forums, and know there is a mod for this, so this complaint is more in the way of grumbling than asking for help. Brand new radio. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over...


So, any suggestions that don't involve putting this radio at the bottom of the river are welcome (I already thought'a that one)

 

[Robb]

Where did you buy it from?
Was it new?
Send it back to them if it is still under warranty.

On the other hand, if it is used; I would send it to Sparky's CB Shack and have him go thru it.
I would also consider having/buying a spare radio in the mean time.

 

[Mark@sea]

I bought it new. Well, I bought the 29LTD Army version, actually, from a Love's travel center, 5 days ago. (Impulse buy - 1st mistake). The Army was dead right out of the box - so I call 'em up, and they said "exchange only". Went back (120 miles round trip) a couple days ago, the only cobra they had left in stock was this black chrome 29LTD.
So, can't get my cash back, and can't exchange unless they get more radios in - I'm sorta stuck with it.

Yeah, I'll probably end up buying a spare while this'n gets repaired - but don't think it'll be a Cobra. Leaning toward the Uniden 78, I guess. I'm not interested in a hot-rodded radio, won't be running a linear, and don't want any BS "extra" channels, anything of that nature - just want a radio that will perform to spec when I pull it out of the box.

 

[Robb]

Since it is new and you have the reciept; I would go to the mfr - Cobra.
They have warranty centers that can deal with your particular radio problem.
You might have to ship it to them if one isn't close by you.
Cobra Electronics Cobra Electronics

Also - I would get a spare radio. Maybe you can get one from this site?
http://www.worldwidedx.com/forum-swapshop/37447-cobra-gtl-148-used.html
http://www.worldwidedx.com/forum-swapshop/37137-few-radios-sale.html
I think either one of those posts can be considered if you need a great spare radio for a great price. The 148 is a GREAT SSB radio w/dual-conversion receive (I have one - too!) especially for the $50 he is asking for it. Dutchman has got quite a selection too. If I needed a spare radio - I would get one of these in a heartbeat. Truth be told; they are probably better than the radio you're having trouble with now.

 

[Mark@sea]

Might try the 148, just PM'd the guy. Tried posting a reply but there must be a minimum post requirement or something...
Hoping it hasn't been tuned by some graduate of the "Wile-E-Coyote Radio Skool".
It take a standard 4 pin mike? Any recommendations for same?

Thanks for the replies, by the way.

 

[Robb]

Might try the 148, just PM'd the guy. Tried posting a reply but there must be a minimum post requirement or something...
Hoping it hasn't been tuned by some graduate of the "Wile-E-Coyote Radio Skool".
It take a standard 4 pin mike? Any recommendations for same?

Thanks for the replies, by the way.

They no longer allow posting on an item that is for sale; just give him a PM instead.
Dunno about the tune on that radio; you could ask him when you give 'em the PM I suppose...

Both the Cobra 148GTL and the Uniden Grant XL that I have (basically the same radio underneath) are both 5 pin. I wouldn't let that stop ya; the 148's are worth the time to get a mic for. Heck, if you want a stock Cobra mic - I'll give you one. If an Astatic 636 can be found used for $20~; I would do that if I could. But if you wanted the best noise-cancelling mic available; it would be the Turner RoadKing 56 from fleaBay for ~$35/used.

 

[Mark@sea]

Thanks, Rob, sounds like a plan. Hope to hear from the seller soon...

Turner made good mikes back in the day, so I'll go with one of those.

E-mailed Cobra about the 29, we'll see what happens....

 

[Robb]

TURNER ROAD KING 56 HAND MIC -USED- L@@K - eBay (item 320455318539 end time Dec-05-09 15:03:50 PST)
I just noticed this on fleaBay...